Riau radio stations threaten to go off air
Riau radio stations threaten to go off air
The Jakarta Post, Jakarta
All private radio stations have planned to stop airing for at least one day in a protest against the planned deliberations of a new broadcasting bill.
The protest will simultaneously involve all radio stations grouped in the Association of Indonesian National Private Radio (PRSSNI) throughout the country, the association's Riau branch secretary Kristiyanto told Antara on Tuesday.
"All PRSSNI members have agreed not to broadcast for one full day to protest the existence of the broadcasting draft law," he said in the industrial island of Batam, Riau.
He said his association claimed that the law curbs the freedom of radio broadcasting in Indonesia. He did not elaborate further.
The government recently submitted the broadcasting bill to the House of Representatives, which has placed it on its priority agenda for deliberation.
The House and the government have apparently made every effort to pass the bill into law.
Analysts have said the bill included several articles that have clearly contained an "attitude allergic to press freedom".
Kristiyanto declined to mention when the private radio stations in question would stage a protest, saying it was still "secrete".
"We can not disclose the timetable of the protest, but all the association's members opposed to the broadcasting law will join in," said Kristiyanto, who is also director of PT Radio Kencana RIS in Batam.
The secretary of Riau's PRSSNI, which comprises 20 members, also urged the local authorities to take action against radio stations operating without the required broadcasting licenses in the province.
"We want relevant agencies to straighten out and take action to the owners of illegal radio stations," he said.
According to Antara, some illegal radio networks have operated with support of officials at the Batam administration.
Kristiyanto said his organization has found at least two illegal radio stations in Batam, including one operated by a group of local students.
Kristiyanto did not mention the total number of radio stations operating illegally in the province.
In Riau Islands alone, he said there were at least 10 private radio stations airing without operational permits, including five in Tanjungpinang, two in Batam and three in Karimun.
"PRSSNI faces difficulties in organizing an operation against the illegal radio networks as it should involve a number of officials from relevant agencies, such as the local police and transportation office," Kristiyanto said.
However, he insisted that his association will continue to strive for an operation against the lawful radio stations.