Book Review ?Jakarta?s Television Above Indonesia

The Universitas Pelita Harapan (UPH), on Monday, June 27, 2011, held a discussion to review the book Jakarta?s Television Above Indonesia: The Story of the Failure of the Networking Television System in Indonesia (Televisi Jakarta Di Atas Indonesia: Kisah Kegagalan Sistem Televisi Berjaringan di Indonesia) at the UPH Graduate Campus, Plaza Semanggi, ,Jakarta. This book was written by Dr. Ade Armando, a UPH lecturer in the Master of Communication Program and a member of the Indonesian Broadcasting Commission (Komisi Penyiaran Indonesia-KPI) from 2004-2007.

For this event, other invited speakers included Tantowi Yahya (owner and director of the Public Speaking School and member of the DPR-RI Commission I) and Prof. Dr. Drs. Tjipta Lesmana, MA, MARS (Head of the UPH Master of Communication Program). The discussion was moderated by R. Masri Sareb Putra, a communication  professional, who is currently enrolled in the UPH Master of Communication Program.

Dr. Ade Armando?s book exposes the gaps and injustices related to the government?s role in managing TV stations inside and outside Jakarta. This situation does not require the broadcasters outside of Jakarta to improve. The failure of the TV networking systems has become an important issue for professionals to discuss.

“If the TV system doesn?t transform into a networking TV, local TV will vanish,” Ade firmly explained. In his opening speech, Tjipta also said that there must be a radical transformation to improve this monopolistic system. Actually, the legislation (UU no. 32 year 2002) that regulates this issue already exists. It is clearly stated that a network TV system is a must. However, after nine years, this regulation hasn?t been enforced. “The regulation is good, but the implementation is not,” said Tjipta. Tantowi, as a media practitioner and member of the Parliament, explained that this regulation was revised by the government. However, he also recognized the difficulties that arise when officials apply the regulations that have long been set. ?There are many obstacles we encountered in order to execute the mandate consistently,? he said.

This discussion, attended by approximately 60 participants, led to a hope that there will be a significant change in the Indonesian television system. A network TV system with the right implementation will truly improve communication for our people, not only for those who live in Jakarta, but also for those in other parts of Indonesia. The public can use local TV stations to communicate with the government in each region and develop their culture. New job opportunities will also be widely opened for citizens in their local provinces. (dee)

UPH Media Relations

Approximately 60 participants, scholars and media practitioners, attended the event.