Time for quick tune up as radio stations alter frequencies

Starting from Sunday, radio listeners will have to make adjustments when tuning into their favorite FM station, as the stations are changing radio frequency.

The frequency shift complies with Directorate General of Post and Telecommunications Decree No. 15A/2004 on the reorganization of the country's radio frequency bandwidth usage. FM radio stations operate in the band between 87.50 megahertz (MHz) and 108.00 MHz.

According to the new bandwidth allocation, the minimum separation between FM radio station frequencies will now change from the current 350 kilohertz (kHz) to 800 kHz, except in Jakarta, Bandung, Semarang, Yogyakarta, Surabaya and Medan.

There are already too many radio stations operating in the six cities, so only they are being allowed to maintain a minimum difference of 400 kHz for a period of 10 years, before finally being adjusted again.

The regulation is to prevent radio stations operating in the same or too close a frequency, to avoid interference between them, thereby resulting in broader transmission bandwidth and better reception. The new regulation will also be useful in anticipating future digital radio technology.

The nationwide bandwidth rearrangement was originally intended to be effective from May, but radio stations were given a grace period to Aug. 1 due to the technical problems they faced.

The Indonesian Association of Private National Broadcast Radio Stations (PRSSNI) has welcomed the regulation, saying that, in the past three years, 92 percent of 830 FM radio stations countrywide have altered their frequency.

Some radio listeners, however, have complained that during the transition period, reception of their favorite radio stations has been poor and they have been confused about the channel changes. -- JP

I-box

FM radio station Previous Frequency New Frequency

(MHz) (MHz)

Antarnusa Jaya (Hardrock) 87.60 87.60 Mustang Utama 100.55 88.00 Elshinta 90.05 90.00 Suara Metro 91.10 91.20 Sonora 100.90 92.00 Merpati Dharmawangsa (Radio SK) 93.90 93.20 Kirana Indah Suara (KISS FM) 107.20 95.10 Smart Media Utama 95.65 95.90 Cakrawala Gita Suara 98.45 98.30 Delta Insani 99.50 99.10 Suara Irama Indah (Radio ONE) 101.25 101.00 Suara Kejayaan (MTV on Sky) 101.60 101.40 Prambors 102.30 102.20 Camajaya Surya Nada 102.65 102.60 Trijaya Sakti 104.75 104.60 Ramako Jaya Raya 106.15 105.80

Source: Directorate General of Post and Telecommunications