Communication Minister Tells KPI to Stay Independent

Communication and Informatics Minister delivers his remarks before the KPI commissioners for the 2019-2022 period, at the Office of Ministry of Communication and Informatics, Jakarta, Monday (5/8). (Photo by: Ministry of Communication and Informatics PR)

Minister of Communication and Informatics Rudiantara has expressed hope that the Indonesian Broadcasting Commission (KPI) continues to be a respected and independent state institution that is committed to overseeing broadcasting contents for the public.

“I hope the KPI continues to becomes a respected, independent organization that promotes fostering rather than law enforcement measures,” the Minister said after inaugurating nine new Central KPI commissioners for the 2019-2022 period at the Ministry’s office in Jakarta, Monday (5/8).

The Minister also raised an issue regarding Law Number 32 of 2002 on Broadcasting, which has not been amended until now, while stressing that the main key to the amendment of the law is digitalization.

“If we only focus on digitalization, it will take some time. What we must do now is how to create synergy among relevant parties and empower our existing potentials,” he said.

On that occasion, Rudiantara also thanked Commission I of the House of Representatives (DPR RI) overseeing defense, foreign affairs, communication and informatics and intelligence for the direction, support and supervision in safeguarding broadcasting contents.

“We would like to thank the Commission I. We will also operate Simultaneous Broadcast without amending the law, but the existing contents are still allowed to be transmitted to the public, both via analog and digital channels,” Rudiantara said.

For the record, the inauguration those nine commissioners is based on Presidential Decree of the Republic of Indonesia Number 73/P of 2019 on the Dismissal and Appointment of KPI commissioners which takes effect on 27 July 2019.

The newly inaugurated commissioners include Agung Supriyo as chairman and member, Nuning Rodiyah, Mulyo Hadi Purnomo, Aswar Hasan, Yuliandre Darwis, Hardly Stefano Fenelon Pariela, Irsal Ambiyah, Mimah Susanti, and Muhammad Reza as members.

Established in 2002, the KPI is an independent broadcasting agency that functions as a regulating body for broadcasting companies in Indonesia. The commission consists of the Central Indonesian Broadcasting Commission (KPI) and the Regional Indonesian Broadcasting Commission who work at provincial levels.  (Ministry of Communication and Informatics PR/ES)

Translated by: Muhardi

Edited by: M. Ersan Pamungkas