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Reviving the spirit of democratic media
Sharp talk: Media analyst Ade Armando (right) delivers his thoughts during a discussion held by the Megawati Institute on Wednesday in Jakarta
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Sharp talk: Media analyst Ade Armando (right) delivers his thoughts during a discussion held by the Megawati Institute on Wednesday in Jakarta. Also present at the discussion themed "Building the democratic media" were institute director Musdiah Mulia (left to right), political communications expert Lely Arrianie and Remotivi director Roy Thaniago. (JP/ Arzia Tivany Wargadiredja) (right) delivers his thoughts during a discussion held by the Megawati Institute on Wednesday in Jakarta. Also present at the discussion themed "Building the democratic media" were institute director Musdiah Mulia (left to right), political communications expert Lely Arrianie and Remotivi director Roy Thaniago. (JP/ Arzia Tivany Wargadiredja)
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span class="caption">Sharp talk: Media analyst Ade Armando (right) delivers his thoughts during a discussion held by the Megawati Institute on Wednesday in Jakarta. Also present at the discussion themed "Building the democratic media" were institute director Musdiah Mulia (left to right), political communications expert Lely Arrianie and Remotivi director Roy Thaniago. (JP/ Arzia Tivany Wargadiredja)
With the general elections almost on our doorstep, a discussion in Jakarta on Wednesday called on the media and the authorities to carry out their responsibilities properly as the Indonesian media was no longer democratic.
The findings of research by the Megawati Institute revealed that the media had a tendency to discriminate against some parties, executive director Musdah Mulia told a discussion themed 'Building the democratic media'.
'At the least we must remind the people that the [broadcast] frequencies belong to them,' she said.
The event mainly discussed the clash between the independent press and political interests that affect the democratic Indonesian press system. The discussion was also told that commercially the Indonesian press was increasing in value.
Media observer Ade Armando criticized the main functions of the Indonesian Broadcasting Commission (KPI), which he claimed had been emasculated by the Information and Communications Ministry.
'The KPI has no authority to mete out sanctions. Illicit procedures were indicated in the election of KPI members,' said Ade, who also said the matter had been investigated by Tempo news agency.
Political communications expert Lely Arrianie stated that the mass media in Indonesia had their own political interests.
'Who's joining this party, or who's supporting that party,' Lely said.
She was, however, upbeat that the ownership and the hidden political campaigns of certain media outlets would not affect people's choices in the upcoming elections.
Meanwhile, Roy Thaniago of Remotivi said that the people were regarded as consumers instead of citizens prompting him to start a movement to criticize the KPI's role.
A petition had been delivered to the KPI office, signed by some 3,700 people.
Unfortunately, he said, the KPI did not respond positively to the petition.
In his final statement, Ade said he upheld his belief in democracy.
'We mustn't lose our hope in democracy. This [democracy] is the only system that assures us our sovereignty,' he said.
The discussion organizer said it was not affiliated with the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) which is led by chairwoman Megawati Soekarnoputri.
The writer is an intern at The Jakarta Post
