TV contributions

From Republika

The so-called employees of Yayasan TVRI (TVRI Foundation) have come to my house four times to register my television set and demand that I paid TV contributions. But I refused to pay the contributions because it is based only on a Presidential Decree, instead of a tax law, which should be approved by the House of Representatives. So, I am of the opinion that TV contributions are voluntary in nature. This is in compliance with the Article 23, paragraph (2) of the 1945 Constitutions.

Moreover, since the establishment of private television stations like RCTI, SCTV, TPI, ANTV, and INDOSIAR, I have stopped watching TVRI. So, I have no reason to pay contributions to TVRI.

In other countries people do not have to pay contributions. The TV broadcasters are financed through advertisements, sponsors and government subsidies. Or let private television companies contribute to TVRI.

Apart from that, there are indications that there are bogus employees of the TVRI Foundation, who make door-to-door visits to collect contributions from residents. They bring with them all the necessary documents, but they are fake. There is no way for the community to distinguish the fake material from the genuine.

I would like to warn both the real, as well as bogus employees of the TVRI Foundation, not to come to my house anymore. I am tired of them.

SUHARSONO HADIKUSUMO

Jakarta