INDONESIA: Encouraging the Neutrality of Broadcasting Institutions Ahead of the 2024 Regional Elections
By : Adit Wijaya )*
The Regional Head Election is getting closer and all parties, including broadcasting institutions, are expected to maintain their neutrality. With the neutrality and professionalism of broadcasting institutions, it is hoped that the public will be able to obtain comprehensive information regarding the potential leaders they will elect.
Neutrality and professionalism in providing political information ahead of the regional elections are important. Not only to broadcasting institutions, but also to all elements of society to be wiser in consuming information, especially during crucial times such as the regional elections. Vice President Ma’ruf Amin firmly reminded the important role of KPI in maintaining the integrity of information in this country.
In a large event commemorating the 91st National Broadcasting Day and the opening of the 2024 Indonesian Broadcasting Commission National Coordination Meeting at ICE BSD, Tangerang Regency, Banten, Ma’ruf Amin emphasized that KPI and KPID must be able to present healthy, neutral and useful information for society.
In his speech, he hoped that KPI could provide appropriate and neutral education regarding the implementation and development of the results of the regional elections which will take place on November 27 2024.
Vice President Ma’ruf Amin emphasized the important role of KPI in overseeing and implementing broadcasting supervision in accordance with the Broadcasting Behavior Guidelines (P3) and Broadcast Program Standards (SPS). He emphasized that all public input regarding broadcast programs that are not in accordance with religious and cultural values must be followed up seriously.
This reflects concern about the existence of programs that may not be in line with the nation’s noble values, as well as efforts to maintain the morality and integrity of broadcasting in Indonesia.
Ma’ruf Amin also highlighted the importance of public outreach and education about healthy and useful information. In a digital era full of false information or hoaxes, the public needs to receive clear guidance on how to identify and avoid fake news.
This education is not only the responsibility of KPI, but also other broadcasting institutions which must be active in providing accurate and useful information.
The big challenge for KPI is how to maintain a fair, equitable and balanced national information order amidst the rapid flow of information. The world of broadcasting must be able to adapt quickly to the dynamics that are occurring, as well as increase innovation to remain competitive with new media that is growing so quickly.
KPI is required to continue to innovate and present programs that are not only interesting but also educational, so that they are able to attract public interest to continue to make television and radio the main source of credible information.
Cooperation and collaboration are the keys to facing this challenge. KPI must improve coordination with broadcasting institutions and other stakeholders. With good cooperation, it is hoped that national broadcasting can regain its place in the hearts of the public as the main source of credible information.
KPI is also expected to be able to ensure and maintain the role of broadcast media as a supervisor of the running of government, a very crucial role in a democratic country.
The response from the Deputy Chair of the Central Indonesian Broadcasting Commission (KPI), Mohamad Reza, to Vice President Ma’ruf Amin’s request showed the same commitment. He emphasized that one of the agendas of the KPI National Coordination Meeting which is currently underway is discussing the regional elections.
The experience of previous regional elections was an important learning material in the meeting, with the aim of developing better and more effective strategies in providing neutral education to the public.
The concrete step that the KPI will take is to coordinate with related institutions in the election task force. This coordination is important to ensure that all information broadcast regarding the Pilkada is accurate, neutral and useful for the community.
This is not an easy task, considering the complexity of information and political dynamics which often make broadcasting a battleground for various interests.
However, with a strong commitment from KPI and full support from the government, it is hoped that broadcasts during the 2024 Pilkada can truly provide great benefits to the community. Neutral and positive education will help people make better and wiser decisions in choosing their leaders. Ultimately, this will strengthen democracy and maintain the stability and integrity of the nation.
In facing all the challenges of digital information flow, collaboration and cooperation between KPI and broadcasting institutions and other stakeholders is the key to strengthening the role of broadcast media.
)* The author is Ruang Baca Nusantara
