'TVRI' levies (1)

'TVRI' levies (1)

The TVRI foundation has announced that starting Aug. 11
televisions would be reregistered and levies collected in
Jakarta, Tangerang and Bekasi. The foundation will operate by
sending its employees assisted by regional stability agency
(Bakorstanasda) officers.

What is the legal basis for these levies? These levies are
collected by virtue of a presidential decree and not a law passed
by the House of Representatives. A presidential decree does not
bind citizens to follow it, cannot be imposed on citizens and has
no legal sanctions attached to it. Thus, TV levies are voluntary.
Television owners can pay the levies, but can also refuse to pay
them.

TVRI foundation employees are not government officials
carrying out their duty according to the law. They are not
allowed to enter houses without the permission of home owners,
even if they are accompanied by Bakorstanasda officers. They can
be reported to the police if they trespass, which is a criminal
act according to the penal code.

TVRI foundation employees have no authority whatsoever to
investigate citizens' homes and confiscate unregistered
televisions.

Why is Bakorstanasda involved in collecting TV levies? Is it
in accordance with the function of the Armed Forces? Are the
officers there to intimidate citizens? They should act according
to law because this country is not a power state.

Again, TV levies are voluntary in nature. Citizens can pay
them but don't have to. There should be no coercion.

SUHARSONO HADIKUSUMO

Jakarta