TV pooling reflects authoritarian government: Expert
By T. Sima Gunawan
JAKARTA (JP): She said she did not really like watching television, but lately she had become addicted to it. She had even become aware of the exact scheduling of news programs on each of the six local television stations.
Like millions of Indonesians and many foreigners around the world, Cynthia Wirantini is curious about the latest political development in the country.
The resignation of president Soeharto and the swearing in of B.J. Habibie as his successor; the announcement of the new cabinet and the reactions of students, analysts and common people, each event was broadcast by both foreign and local TV stations: state TVRI and the five private TV networks, RCTI, SCTV, TPI, ANteve and Indosiar.
When riots rocked Jakarta on May 14, the stations covered the incidents extensively.
"I was glued to the TV. The news scared me, but I was curious," Cynthia said.
She had reason to be scared.
She could clearly see on TV how the mobs stoned buildings, broke into shops and looted them, and then set them on fire. It was violent, brutal, vicious, evil, savage -- you name it. TV cameramen recorded the citywide commotion and their stations broadcast the incidents. The five private stations covered the incidents without being subject to censorship.
Two days later something happened. Upon the order of then minister of information Alwi Dahlan, all TV stations relayed a 30-minute news program compiled by a TV pool. Broadcasts were at 6 a.m. and 2 p.m. This was in addition to the 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. daily TVRI news that all stations must air.
As a result, the city looked much safer -- on TV.
"I don't like it," Cynthia said. "I know the government wanted to calm people down. It wanted to give the impression that the city was safe, while in fact it was not that safe. What if people went out and something happened to them?"
She also complained about the repetition of news which was broadcast.
The news produced by TV stations also seemed "softer". A private TV crew said their tapes had to be sent to TVRI for approval.
These restrictions, however, were lifted with the downfall of president Soeharto.
Private stations had a surge in courage and they now boldly present facts to channel people's aspirations. On Friday evening, ANteve broadcast a talk show with leading government critic Amien Rais. At the same time, SCTV interviewed Ryaas Rasyid, rector of the National Institute of Administration.
The press had already started to present daring reports following a call from 19 researchers of the National Institute of Sciences (LIPI) in January for the election of a new president for the sake of political and economic reforms, according to communications expert M. Budyatna of the University of Indonesia.
"People then started to have the courage to talk," he said.
"Well, actually people shared the same ideas about reform, but there was a need for somebody to first start talking," he added.
After that, demands for reform increased, followed by student demonstrations in various cities. The shooting of a student in Yogyakarta and several others in Surakarta as well as a statement by activist Pius Lustrilanang on his alleged kidnapping and assault, intensified the situation. But the main trigger was the shooting of four students of Jakarta's Trisakti University on May 12. People became more outspoken and the press, which up until then had been timid, started to step forward and display boldness.
"I doubt things would be like this if the press hadn't dared to reveal the truth," he said, referring to the resignation of Soeharto.
Press freedom is paramount to the establishment of democracy. Television stations should have the freedom to cover any event and broadcast their own reports.
Enforced TV news pooling is against human rights. It deprives one's right to access to information. "At the same time, it also stifles TV journalists' creativity," Budyatna said.
He said the government should cancel TV stations' obligation to relay any news from TVRI. This would mean private stations would be free from the obligation to air TVRI's 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. news, as well as the TV pool news.
So far, private TV stations are required to broadcast "special reports" on former president Soeharto's activities as well as other government activities.
"That's disgusting. I'd prefer to go to bed rather than watch such reports," Budyatna said.
TV news pooling is a reflection of an authoritarian government. "It is more than propaganda, it is indoctrination," he said.
The new government must be open to criticism and allow freedom of the press.
If the government does not like certain reports, if it is insulted by some reports or finds them defamatory, it could sue the network, he said.
On the other hand, good mass media should also be able to carry out their task to educate people. A good press is a responsible press, he concluded.