Indonesia limits international news programs

Indonesia has strict laws controlling the content produced by the media

JAKARTA, Indonesia (CNN) -- A new broadcasting bill that aims to limit the broadcasting of international news programs in Indonesia has been approved by the government.

Indonesia's Communications and Information Minister Syamsul Muarif said the government and the House of Representatives had agreed to ban local broadcasting companies from relaying programs from international sources.

The House passed the bill during the final deliberations on the draft law on broadcasting, Syamsul was quoted by Indonesia's Antara National News Agency as saying on Monday.

A number of local television and radio stations in Indonesia currently rebroadcast programs from international stations regularly.

Indosiar television station once a week rebroadcasts news from the Voice of America, while radio station Elshinta relays broadcasts from the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) and Radio 68H, collaborates with the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC).

Syamsul noted that the ban was meant to prevent international parties from manipulating the local media into airing programs that would serve their interests.

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However, he said that local television and radio stations would still be permitted to relay certain foreign programs such as sports and other international events.

"Occasional programs such as sports and other international events can be relayed. The restriction applies to regularly broadcast programs," he said.

Cable, Internet exempted

Indonesia, a predominantly Muslim country, has strict laws controlling media output, focusing especially on violence and pornography.

Indonesia requires broadcasters to obtain a five-year license, revocable only by a court.

In addition, 'special broadcasters' such as Internet service providers, cable television, and pay-per-view television must obtain a license to operate.

Indonesians watch a broad variety of television programs both local and international, aided by the proliferation of satellite dishes in Jakarta and other major cities.

Radio coverage is also extensive in Indonesia with the private sector operating a large number of the more than 900 FM and AM stations in the country, in addition to government-owned Radio Republik Indonesia and Radio Pemerintah Daerah.