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. (01)

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