Jakarta – An Indonesian journalists group has asked the government to review the permits of ten free-to-air television networks that will expire this year, amid concerns over the exploitation of air time to serve the business and political interests of the network owners.
The Alliance of Independent Journalists (AJI) said on Thursday that the ten televisions – RCTI, SCTV, Indosiar, TV One, Metro TV, Trans TV, Global TV and TV7 – had been warned frequently by the Indonesian Broadcasting Commission (KPI), a state regulatory body, for their journalistic violations.
"The government does not need to renew their permits if they keep doing so," the AJI chairman Suwarjono said in a press release.
AJI notes the violations of the ten televisions consist of sadistic, impolite conversation, neglecting children's rights and misusing the media for political campaigns.
Suwarjono said AJI supported the initiative of KPI to seek input from the public before making a decision on the ten television entities. The public is encouraged to offer suggestions and opinions until Jan. 31. "I hope KPI can be transparent," he asserted.
Previously, a lawmaker and the Indonesian Television Broadcasting Association (ATVSI) rejected KPI's initiative to carry out public assessment. "It does not make sense why a good intention has been rejected," Suwarjono said, adding the KPI initiative should be a tradition. (dan)(+)