'TV critics should push for change'

Ten private TV stations and state TVRI have been criticized for abandoning education and information broadcasting and focusing more on entertainment. In observance of the anniversary of TVRI and some private TV channels on Aug. 24, The Jakarta Post asked some residents their opinion on TV programs currently being aired.

Hadi Sunaryo, 36, works for a management consulting firm on Jl. Thamrin, Central Jakarta. He lives with his wife and two children in Bintaro, South Jakarta:

Television, at least in advanced countries, is being sidelined by the emergence of the Internet, just as, ironically, it once sidelined to some extent the radio, magazines and newspapers.

But since Internet access is still at a low level in Indonesia, TV has maintained its top position as the public's main source of information, education and entertainment.

The plethora of infotainment and mystical programs and the recent trend in talent shows is unavoidable as a result of simple economics: Where there's a demand, there'll always be a supply.

If ratings reveal that such shows are popular, and therefore potential advertising magnets, then TV stations will keep on airing them.

So-called more educative programs should not decry such shows as uneducated, because educational attainment in Indonesia remains low.

Critics should do something more useful if they really care about the danger of decadence through TV, like pushing the government to prioritize education and foster a culture of reading in society.

Iyan, 23, works for a private company in Pasar Minggu, South Jakarta. He lives with his parents in Manggarai, South Jakarta:

I think the quality of TV news today has declined as compared with previous years. This is related to the increasing frequency of crime shows that only highlight petty crimes, which I think are not important at all; they tend to be repetitive as well.

Therefore, I still rely on newspapers to get my daily dose of information.

Of course, I also notice that many TV channels offer celebrity gossip as well as mystical and talent shows. I think it's natural for TV channels to air such programs because many people are really entertained by them.

I like to watch Akademi Fantasi Indosiar every Saturday night for the exciting competition that the participants have to go through.

-- The Jakarta Post