Religious radio stations question new bill

Religious radio stations question new bill

JAKARTA (JP): Private radio stations belonging to religious
groups are questioning a government-sponsored broadcasting bill
and its attempt to regulate their programming.

Hernus Idris, manager of the Islamic As-syafiiyah radio
station, and Budi Prabawani of the Christian-mission Pelita Kasih
radio station, called on the government to reconsider Article 9
of the bill which says that private broadcasting stations cannot
be established for the sake of "any political, ideological or
religious interests".

Minister of Information Harmoko introduced the draft law for
deliberation to the House of Representatives on Monday, citing
rapid information technology as one of the reasons why the bill
is badly needed.

"Our mission is to provide moral teachings for the community,
and this role is very important and needed in helping society
uphold its moral standards," Hernus told The Jakarta Post
yesterday.

As-syafiiyah belongs to Islamic As-syafiiyah Foundation while
Pelita Kasih was established by the evening Christian-oriented
newspaper Suara Pembaruan in cooperation with Christian churches
in Jakarta.

"Take the recent student brawls, for example," he said. "Most
education experts believe the students go down the streets and
commit violent acts because they feel there's something missing
in them, and this missing thing is religious values.

"What we're trying to do is fill this emptiness," Hernus said.

"We're facing an era of globalization, and a teaching of moral
values which is provided by radio stations like ours is badly
needed," Budi said. "This teaching will help our community
fortify its defense against the negative impacts of
globalization."

Another item in the bill which observers said is potentially
contentious is Article 32, which bans ads made for religious and
political purposes.

"Commercials may not promote religious teachings, political or
ideological teachings, or the interests of any individuals or
groups," the bill says.

Hernus questioned the formulation of the article. "Does it
mean to say that religious teachings cannot be 'sold' in a
commercial?" he asked. "It would then seem that we are being
prohibited from 'selling religion'. But Islam already prohibits
us from doing so."

One of the Ministry of Information's explanations for the
banning is because it believes the broadcasting of "religious and
political promotional ads" violates advertising regulations.

But Budi said her radio station's mission is to promote, not
push, Christianity. "We manage our programs very carefully," she
said. "We don't want to do it in such a way as to appear
'extreme'."

Aminullah Ibrahim, a member of the House Commission 1 for
information, acknowledged that the bill contains a number of
potentially controversial issues.

"This bill needs much clarification," he said, adding that he
does believe that the bill was a good step as Indonesia has never
had a broadcasting law.

He said that now that the bill has been drawn up and is ready
for deliberation, the public should help by providing input.

The House has planned to invite experts as well as members of
the public to come and give suggestions, he said.

The bill is expected to be passed into law this year, he said.
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Editorial -- Page 4