Public backlash against TV levies

The controversial collection of levies from TV owners is making headlines again.

State-owned Televisi Republik Indonesia (TVRI), driven to its wit's end by the stubborn refusal of TV owners to pay their mandatory contributions, is now using security personnel to escort its collectors. Presumable the levies are the network's only funding source.

When TVRI was still the only television network in Indonesia, the collection of levies from viewers was logical and acceptable. But, with the emergence of private television networks, the collection has lost its rationality for TV owners.

To be honest, with programs that are lacking in innovation, imagination and a competitive elan, TVRI is steadily losing viewers. And so it makes sense for people, who regard themselves as regular patrons of private television networks, to refuse to pay.

It is time that TVRI starts putting its own house in order.

If the ban on airing advertisements on TVRI must be maintained, then the government must be willing to commit itself to funding the operations. In this way the state-owned network could become more competitive and attract more viewers.

There seems to be a conflict for the government. On the one hand, TVRI is said to be a vital media outlet, while on the other, the funding of its operations is being neglected.

People can no longer be forced to pay these unpopular TV contributions. Another, more sensible, means of funding must be found.

How about slapping additional taxes on the purchase of a television set? This would be more professional than sending collectors from door to door.

-- Media Indonesia, Jakarta