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Proposed broadcasting bill threatens streaming content, OTT industry
The bill prohibits streaming content displaying violence, mysticism, LGBT or “negative behavior or lifestyles that potentially harm the public”, with violations resulting in fines or license termination.
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Ernest Prakasa director of 'Ngenest' (2015), 'Cek Toko Sebelah' (2016), 'Susah Sinyal' (2017) and 'Teka-Teki Tika' (2021) is seen on set in this file photo. (Courtesy of HAHAHA CORP) (Courtesy of HAHAHA CORP)
M
ovie producers and digital economy advocates have voiced opposition to articles in the proposed broadcasting bill, which would put over-the-top (OTT) streaming platforms and their content under a strict monitoring scheme, which many warn could hamper the industry and the country’s overall digital economy.
Businesses believe the bill, seeking to revise the 2002 Broadcasting Law, would impose extra red tape on content creation, thereby restricting the digital platforms.
Article 50E would grant the Indonesian Broadcasting Commission (KPI) oversight authority over all broadcasting platforms, including OTT and streaming services in the digital realm, to adhere to standards stipulated by the agency, according to a March 27 draft seen by The Jakarta Post.
The bill’s article 50B would also prohibit content displaying violence, mysticism, LGBT or “negative behavior or lifestyles that potentially harm the public”, with violations resulting in fines or license termination.
Edwin Nazir, chairman of the Indonesian Film Producers Association (Aprofi), expressed concern that the KPI could adopt a heavy-handed approach similar to television censorship, calling the bill a “regressive step” for the domestic film industry if enacted.
Speaking to the Post on Thursday, Edwin contrasted the proposed bill with the current practice by the Film Censorship Board (LSF), which has moved progressively by focusing on age classification rather than outright censoring of certain frames or scenes, which is commonly done by the KPI for television content.
While TV content is categorized under the public broadcasting service, “streaming platforms are private spaces where users pay for access,” he emphasized.
