Repressive broadcasting bill

There have been protests against the proposed draft bill on broadcasting recently. It is a bill full of polemics and weaknesses, yet the House of Representatives (DPR) insists on enacting it.

One of the points needed to be underlined is the strong desire of the authorities to control media freedoms again. Even the draft broadcasting bill is being used as an entrance gate to repress the freedom of the media. The draft broadcasting bill, already protested by broadcasting media operators, should be seen as a setback to the freedom of the press.

The draft bill, however, has caused several demonstrations, yet they seem to have remained ignored.

It is also astonishing that the DPR has wasted its energy in discussing the draft bill on broadcasting, while important legislation, such as constitutional amendment, remains unfinished. The DPR has committed itself to reform, something it seems willing to drop. The energy of DPR members, along with members of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR), should be used to amend the Constitution, not the law instruments below it.

How can we draft the right laws if the highest source of laws, namely the Constitution, remains in a mess?

--Media Indonesia, Jakarta