While both regulations have distinct purposes, their potential impact on critical voices, especially those exposing human rights violations, is worrying.

The broadcasting bill seeks to bring online content providers under the purview of broadcasting regulations. This would subject content on social media platforms like YouTube and Facebook to stricter controls and potential censorship. While the bill aims to promote quality content and combat fake news, its broad definitions and potential for arbitrary enforcement pose a threat.

LEDs often utilize online platforms to document environmental destruction and human rights abuses linked to extractive industries. The bill's ambiguity regarding permissible content could restrict their ability to share crucial evidence. For instance, footage of deforestation or protests against land grabbing might be deemed disruptive or in violation of public order, hindering effective advocacy.

The bill threatens press freedom, content diversity and creativity in the digital space in Indonesia.

First, Article 56 paragraph 2 of the bill curtails press freedom by prohibiting "exclusive broadcasting of investigative journalism". This article can hamper journalists' efforts to reveal the truth and convey independent information to the public.

Second, the bill gives overly broad authority to the Indonesian Broadcasting Commission (KPI). As we know, the KPI is an institution tasked with supervising broadcasting such as TV and radio. However, Article 1 paragraphs 9 and 17 of the bill indicate that the KPI would be given responsibility for supervising digital content as well.