Helmy Yahya Fired, Employees Spread #SaveTVRI Banner
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20 January 2020 10:11 WIB
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - A number of TVRI employees held a protest against the dismissal of Helmy Yahya as managing director of the public broadcasting agency. The demonstration involved the unfurling of a black cloth with the hashtag #SaveTVRI in front of the national television office building on Monday morning, January 20, 2020.
“The black cloth is a symbol of deep concern over the dismissal of TVRI’s future and glory,” said a representative of TVRI's employees, Agil Samal, to Tempo, Monday, January 20, 2020.
Agil claimed that a number of employees were disappointed with Helmy's dismissal. According to Agil, the future of the national television had begun to look bright since Helmy Yahya was appointed as TVRI boss.
In evidence, Agil cited the improvements in employee welfare with the performance benefits (tukin), set to be cashed out in the coming February. With the dismissal of Helmy, Agil was worried that the employee welfare that had been pioneered during his leadership would be neglected in the future.
“The performance benefits that should have been immediately available, now seems unlikely and is seriously threatened because of the unnecessary conflicts that occurred,” he said.
Furthermore, in regards to the content, Agil noted an improvement in TVRI’s programs due to Helmy’s leadership. However, this improved content, that has become a symbol of TVRI’s revival, is threatened to be removed off the air, due to Helmy no longer being in office
“We ask very deeply for the state holders of power and authorities to help us,” he said.
Minister of Communication and Information Technology, Johnny G. Plate had previously asked TVRI employees to remain solid following Helmy Yahya’s dismissal. Johnny demanded for TVRI employees not to be polarized and not be caught in block support.
“Employees should not be polarized by blocks supporting anyone. If this happens, the problems at TVRI will become even more complicated,” said Johnny in Tribrata, South Jakarta, Saturday, January 18, 2020.
TVRI's Board of Supervisors had previously fired Helmy Yahya through letter number 8/DEWS/TVRI/2020. Prior to his dismissal, Helmy was briefly suspended from his post on December 14, 2019. Helmy then sent a letter of defence to the Board of Supervisors, on December 18, 2019.
FRANCISCA CHRISTY ROSANA | DIO SUHENDA
