'TVRI' still dependent on state funds

JAKARTA: The government's policy to transform state television station TVRI into an independent private broadcasting company, which took effect on April 17, is yet to be a reality as it still requires financial assistance from the government during its ongoing transitional period into a fully private company.

TVRI finance director Badaruddin said on Wednesday that as long as the station was unable to earn a profit, government funds were still needed.

He admitted that for its operational expenditures in 2002, the station had received Rp 157 billion in state funds.

The changing of TVRI's status last month was made because the state company was on the brink of collapse, said TVRI chief executive officer Sumita Tobing.

The company, which has 400 transmitters throughout the country, has an estimated 7,000 employees. - JP