TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Communication and Informatics (Kominfo) Minister Johnny Plate said that the government would push the acceleration of the television broadcasting migration from analog to digital or simulcast. The digitalization of broadcasting was targeted to complete in 2024.

“We hope the analog switch-off can be carried out immediately, at least in 2024. The quicker the better for the sake of public service,” said Johnny during a hearing meeting with the House Commission I at Parliament Complex, Senayan, Central Jakarta, Tuesday, November 5.

The government would conduct the transition gradually. In August 2019, Kominfo Ministry had officially launched simulcasts in remote or border areas.

In October 2019, the ministry in tandem with private parties installed the electronic component or multiplexers in 12 provinces. The simulcast operational would be broadcasted in January 2020.

“The installation of multiplexers in 12 provinces was done under the Attorney General’s notice,” Johnny added.

The ministry planned to expand the simulcast network to 22 provinces in December 2020, and the operation would start in 2023. Meanwhile, the migration process from analog to digital was expected to complete in 2024.

Therefore, to support the acceleration of the migration, Johnny Plate demanded the House of Representatives (DPR) immediately pass the bill on broadcasting. “So we ask [DPR] to as soon as possible finish the broadcasting law which was the legislative initiative in the previous period,” he said.

The discussion on broadcasting bill was stalled in the DPR's Legislation Body in 2018 because of disagreement among members regarding several points on single-mux or multi-mux.

FRANCISCA CHRISTY ROSANA | LANI DIANA WIJAYA