Television channels have vast space for more than mindless shows

Simon Marcus Gower, Principal, Harapan Bangsa, High School, Kotamodern, Tangerang, Banten

Recently the number of network television channels available in Indonesia has increased and so, for the viewing public, it would seem that there is more choice available for viewing pleasure. However, is quantity exceeding quality? In certain instances the quality of what may be viewed on Indonesian television is, in fact, dropping worryingly low.

Some may argue that quality is not a major concern; people just use it to pass the time. However, television can play a vital role in spreading learning and information about our world. It is the hugely pervasive and influential affect of television that perhaps Indonesian television bosses and producers should think a little more carefully of.

As their numbers grow so too will the influence they may have. Presently it seems that often fairly mindless television is being targeted and produced and broadcast. There are exceptions, though.

Perhaps the most shocking example of this is the kind of programming that TPI (Televisi Pendidikan Indonesia, or Education Television Indonesia) has been resorting to. At a time when the nation of Indonesia is racked by often horrific violence; where neighbor fights neighbor, village attacks village and thousands of Indonesians have suffered in a vicious cycle of violence, it is truly appalling that a television channel that was founded on the principle of providing educational programming would lower itself to show programs that seem to advocate violence.

Programs that present brutal and genuinely, deeply offensive physical violence apparently for entertainment.

It is hard, if not impossible, to think of any educational value in these programs such as Ultimate Fight Championship and Pride Fight Championship. Should the blood of one of the fighters that participate in the gladiatorial-like bouts be spilled, the camera zooms in to make sure that the viewer's blood-lust is satiated.

Between bouts Indonesian commentators sit in a Jakarta studio and try to weave some notion that skill and strategy is being applied in amongst all the brutality. Programs such as this are not only offensive, they are dangerous because undoubtedly many of the viewers will be enjoying these ugly spectacles. Some will be thinking that this kind of brutality is acceptable and something that they might willingly and easily engage in for themselves.

To broadcast such trashy programs is also saddening in the context of what the same channel also provides. Programs of genuine educational value from the likes of Discovery Channel form part of the same evening's viewing. Additionally, mainstream and acceptable sports such as football and motor-racing are well represented on this channel. Why then, one wonders, does this channel resort to such grossly offensive programming?

It can easily be concluded that the channel seeks to capitalize on an apparently widespread bloodthirstiness of the viewing public. The pursuit of ratings (gained easily) through controversial and provocative programs is a temptation too great to resist.

This channel is not alone, however, in programming viewing time for what amounts to televised trash. RCTI also resorts to showing WWF wrestling which, with its childish play-acting and scripted fights, is moronic to the point of being pitiful. Yet people will tune in to watch this mindless nonsense and, if they do in sufficient numbers, presumably the television station bosses are happy.

At a time when the whole world still suffers in the grip of cyclical violence, it seems sad that television is not being utilized for more worthy purposes than the portrayal or presentation of violence for some sick entertainment purposes. This is particularly true of Indonesia where television could and really should be so useful educationally.

Television was without doubt one of the greatest technological advances of the 20th century. It changed the lives of people on a daily basis. To fail to capitalize on its potential for educational purposes would be sad indeed. Such a failure would amount to a waste or even an insult to the technology that is being used.

One of the greatest technological advances for the 21st century would often seem to be wasted on little more than chatting or the pursuit of pornography. The Internet too could be wasted technology for many people if not more thoughtfully used.

But for television channels and their programming the opportunity is there and it is there here and now, as the network of Indonesian television channels is increasing. There are signs of hope with some good documentary programming and the use of Discovery Channel's output but one may also note a relative lack of local productions of educational value.

With imaginative and creative producers, excellent, entertaining and educational television programs could be produced that genuinely attract viewers. It seems that TPI in its earlier days and perhaps TVRI (Television of the Republic of Indonesia) may have produced local education programs that were rather dull and did not attract viewers. But educational programming does not have to be dull.

Anybody that views the likes of National Geographic Channel or Discovery cannot help but be impressed by the quality of programming production and the superb way in which our wonderful world is presented. The educational value of these televised materials in intrinsic. As Indonesia's networked television stations increase in number so too should the educational value of television to the people of Indonesia grow.