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Indonesia: Revision Of Broadcasting Bill Sought
by Kazi Mahmood for IslamOnline
JAKARTA, May 17 (IslamOnline & News Agencies) - A large number of press related organizations are urging the Indonesian government and House of Representatives (DPR) to revise a bill on broadcasting, sources said on Thursday.
Their concern is aimed at promoting observance of the freedom of expression and the right to access information.
In a joint statement issued on Thursday in Jakarta, 31 organizations pointed out that the bill could hinder the freedom to broadcast information to the people.
"The freedom of expression and communication, as well as the right to access information, are basic human rights and absolute requirements for a democratic life in the country," they said in their statement.
They said the survival of the people depends to a great extent on decisions they (broadcasters) make, and the best decisions can only be made if all parties are given the right to access needed information.
"That is why, the print media and the broadcast establishments, as information disseminators, should be made free from threats, coercion, and pressure in any form," the statement said.
They added that the multi-dimensional crisis in Indonesia was due, among other things, to suppression of the freedom of expression and the right to access information during the New Order regime.
Members of the Indonesian Journalist Association (PWI) said they disagreed with the government's explanation in a hearing with the House of Representatives on May 8th, which projected the government as regulator of the broadcast media.
"This regulator function will open the way for the government to become an authoritarian power, by monopolizing information and treating the media as a means of propaganda," the leaders said in their statement.
As such, the broadcasting organizations suggested that the authority to issue radio frequency permits be given to an independent body, the Indonesian Broadcasting Commission.
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