TEMPO.CO, Bogor - Communication and Informatics Ministry (Kominfo) planned to strengthen the authority of the Indonesian Broadcasting Commission (KPI).

The ministry wanted the commission to have the power to impose sanctions in the form of a fine and revoke the license of a program violating the broadcasting code of conduct and broadcasting program standards (P3SPS).

“So far, the sanction is merely an administrative one (a warning letter),” said the ministry’s broadcasting director Geryantika Kurnia at Aston Bogor Hotel and Resort, West Java, Monday, November 25.

Geryantika Kurnia said the plan will be proposed during the upcoming discussion on the revision of the Broadcasting Law No.32/2002 with the House of Representatives (DPR).

According to Gery, the decision to revoke a program license will be final and binding, and so broadcasting institutions can lodge a suit at the court to challenge it. "Broadcasters may file an appeal to the court."

The ministry, Gery went on, will also propose the structure of the commission, which is now at the level of echelon II, to be raised as a secretariat-general. So the KPI will be independent in managing its budget and flexible. The central office and regional branches must also apply a hierarchical structure.

Additionally, the ministry was determined to raise the role of the commission to audit the rating of broadcast programs as a response to public questions on the methodology used by AC Nielsen, the only rating agency in the country.

Gery hoped Kominfo’s proposal will be accepted by the legislative body in the discussion on the revision of Broadcasting Law, which had been included in the 2020 National Legislation Program (Prolegnas).

BUDIARTI UTAMI PUTRI