'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