The proposed changes to Indonesia broadcasting law by the country’s parliament have been criticized by Indonesian journalists who say they will suppress press freedom.
“With this rule, we [journalists] are not free; we cannot investigate things, we cannot make exclusive journalism,” he said.” We should be able to cover corruption cases, for instance in an exclusive way.”
For what reason do journalists reject the broadcasting bill?
According to International Federation of Journalists’ reports, the latest amended version contains an article banning ‘exclusive investigative journalism’ both on digital and television platforms. The bill also considers ‘LGBT content’ as one of its targets.
This law has also been challenged for being against Indonesian legislation that guarantees media independence in terms of no censorship or broadcast prohibition for the “Indonesian press” and its right for “accessing information and ideas”.
According to Indonesia’s Press Council which was established in 1968 “to assist government nurture growth and development of national press,” the new bill would reduce its role.
One of them is arbitrator between public and media. Resolution of disputes would now fall under the purview of Indonesia Broadcasting Commission as illustrated in revised broadcasting bill.
Speaking at a May 14th news conference held by the Press Council in Indonesia, Ninik Rahayu pointed out that one major problem with it was settlement of journalistic disputes by an institution which does not really possess authority over ethical resolution processes in journalism.
She added: “The mandate for resolving journalistic works is with Press Council as enshrined by law.”
Reporters Without Borders (RSF) data shows that Indonesia went down three positions from 108th place in 2023 on global press freedom index to claim 111th spot in 2024.
In Southeast Asia, compared to Singapore (126), Philippines (134), Vietnam (174); but East Timor (20), Thailand (87) and Malaysia (107).
Kurniawan of the TV journalists’ association has stated that Indonesia has had prior attempts to seriously reduce freedom of the press. However, he said that the ban on investigating journalism was “the most serious” effort to curb press freedom.
“No way does this bill infringe upon media freedom,” government insists
Arifin who is a member of Indonesian parliament and working committee reviewing this law emphasized that there hasn’t been an attempt by the government to undermine media freedom through those amendments.
Indonesian media carried a recent statement from Arifin in which she indicated that the revised bill would not hinder media freedom.
She also said that there was room for input into it by parliament while adding that further adjustments were ongoing and some problematic articles in it may not be finalized yet.
The necessity to revise original broadcasting laws enacted in 2002, arose from outdatedness hence; they are seen as indispensable. The first news on amending this law came around 2020, and there have been several versions since then with significant changes made. It could be passed by September 2024.
