Semarang wants own TV studio

SEMARANG: Minister of Information Harmoko has given the green light to Central Java request to build its own television studio for the state-owned TVRI.

The provincial government has already designated a five- hectare plot in Pucang Gading in eastern Semarang for the studio.

Head of the TVRI mobile production station in Semarang, Nusjirwan Rustian Utjin said however that the provincial government has to fork out a huge amount for the studio.

He said a studio's expenditure is at least $12 million in equipment and Rp 350 million ($170,000) in operational costs. It must also have at least 300 employees.

The Central Java provincial government has set aside Rp 5 billion ($2.4 million) for the initial phase. (emb)