T

he frequency range in border areas such as Batam in Riau Islands, is being dominated by Singapore, as demonstrated by high quality transmission from the neighboring television and radio stations, says an official of the local broadcasting regulator.

The head of Indonesian Broadcasting Commission (KPID) of Riau Islands chapter, Parlindungan Sihombing, said most of the frequency spectrum above Riau Islands was dominated by Singaporean TV and radio stations as they had superior technology compared to that used by domestic TV and radio stations.

He added the maximum transmission power of relay for stations operating in Riau Islands was 4,000 kilowatts (KW) compared to Singapore's power of more than 10,000 KW.

"That's why more Singaporean TV and radio programs can be received clearly in Batam and other areas in Riau Islands in general," Parlindungan said.

"Singapore often complains to the Indonesian government if we have domineered frequency bands. We are confused about with which frequencies we have interfered."

Parlindungan said his office had once recommended private radio stations in Batam to use the FM 106.15 Mhz frequency band, but the central government, in this case the Communications and Information Technology Ministry, reprimanded the Riau Islands KPID because the frequency had been used earlier by Singapore.

"Actually, many local TV and radio stations have applied for operating licenses, but much of the frequency spectrum has been dominated by Singapore."

Members from Commission I of the Riau Islands legislative council went to the KPID on Thursday to inquire the issue, because based on its observation, almost 80 percent of the area in Riau Islands could receive TV from neighboring countries clearly, especially from Singapore.

"Why is our *spatial* territory dominated by programs from Singapore? Why is this happening? Is there any technology that could restrict the frequency range so we could technologically dominate our own air?" said Commission I member Suhri Farial.