The Minister of Communication and Information believes that the broadcasting bill should accommodate input from members of the press

Jakarta (MidLand) – The Minister of Communication and Information, Budi Arie Setiadi, believes that the revision of the Law (RUU) number 32 of 2002 on Broadcasting should welcome the contribution of all parties, especially members of the press, to avoid disputes arising.

“The discussion of this bill must welcome input from various elements, especially members of the press, in order to prevent the emergence of bitter disputes,” Budi Arie said in a written statement to MidLand on Thursday.

Budi Arie said that, as a former journalist, he hopes the broadcasting bill does not give the impression of being the “new face” of press repression.

He underlined the importance of involving members of the press in this process to ensure that freedom of the press is maintained.

Budi Arie also underlined the government’s commitment to supporting and guaranteeing freedom of the press, including in reporting investigations.

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“The various journalistic products presented by members of the press are evidence that Indonesian democracy is increasingly advanced and mature,” he said.

The revision of law number 32 of 2022 regarding broadcasting is currently being harmonized in the legislative body DPR RI (Baleg). Several articles are believed to hinder press freedom in Indonesia, including Article 56 paragraph 2 point c, i.e. the ban on exclusive broadcasting of investigative journalism.

In addition to the ban on broadcasting only investigative journalism, the revision of the Broadcasting Law also has the potential to create opportunities for overlapping authority in the resolution of journalistic disputes between the KPI and the Press Council.

This is found in Article 25 paragraph q, i.e. the resolution of journalistic disputes specifically in the broadcasting sector and in Article 127 paragraph 2, where the resolution of disputes relating to broadcast journalistic activities is carried out by the Indonesian Broadcasting Commission (KPI ) in accordance with the provisions of the statutory regulations.

Chairman of Commission I DPR RI Meutya Hafid rejected accusations that law number 32 of 2002 regarding broadcasting reduces the role of the press.

“There is and never has been any enthusiasm or intention on the part of Commission I of the DPR to downplay the role of the press,” Meutya said in a statement received Thursday in Jakarta.

Meutya said that the draft law on broadcasting is currently still in the legislative body of the DPR RI (Baleg) and has not yet been discussed with the government.

Reporter: Fathur Rochman
Editor: Zita Meirina
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