The Jakarta Post, December 19, 2005
KPI slams closure of radio station
M. Azis Tunny, The Jakarta Post, Ambon
A broadcasting regulator has condemned the closure of a radio station critical of the
government and asked the station to continue broadcasting.
"The government has no right to close down the station because, according to the
broadcasting law, that right is vested in us," said Izack Tulalessy, a member of the
Maluku Broadcasting Commission.
The FM station, Gelora Tavlul, was closed down by order of Southeast Maluku Regent
Herman Adrian Koedoeboen. The order was issued on Dec. 13 or about a month after
the regental government rejected a request by the station's management to extend its
permit. According to the order, the station must stop broadcasting because its
business permit expired in 2003.
A group of police officers and government officials descended on the radio station on
Thursday, ordering it off the airwaves.
The station has been critical of the Southeast Maluku administration, most recently
airing a story about the alleged misuse of Rp 19 billion in disaster mitigation funds.
Izack said the government should not resort to repressive measures when it was
criticized. The government has the right to answer and this right should be utilized,
Izack said.
Rudi Fofid, the coordinator of the Maluku Media Center joined in the chorus,
expressing regret over the incident, which had happened "even in the reform era".
Separately, Regent Herman Adrian was adamant the station had to be closed as its
permit had expired.
All contents copyright © of The Jakarta Post.
|
