Some groups questioned the government’s revisions during a hearing with representatives of journalist groups and media companies on Tuesday. They said the revision had nothing to do with the bill’s main objective of job creation.

Subagyo of the Golkar Party – the main supporter of the bill – suggested that they be revoked entirely, saying the local media industry needed rules that supported their freedom.

"The Press Law should not be revised through the omnibus bill. In order to prevent further misinterpretations, the Golkar faction proposes that the provisions be dropped from the bill,” Subagyo said.

Media groups have been opposing the bill, which seeks to amend Article 18 among other provisions of Law No. 40/1999 on the press.

The revision to Article 18 in the omnibus bill would increase fines for anyone hampering press freedom to seek, obtain or disseminate information. It would also fine press companies that did not adhere to religious norms, morality or the presumption of innocence in reporting – or those that did not serve the right of reply.

Any violation of the provision will lead to a fine of up to Rp 2 billion (US$141,920), according to the omnibus bill.

Popular

Leaving Indonesia, loving Indonesia: A path for diaspora

Press unions demand apology from Prabowo for denigrating comments

Indonesia seeks better US tariff terms after 10% forced-labor duty