Deskripsi

This book addresses the historical evolution of Indonesian broadcasting media, its regulatory debates, and the role of KPI in media democratization. The broadcasting sector transitioned from a revolutionary tool under Sukarno to a controlled political instrument under Suharto, with TVRI and RRI as state agents. Suharto’s regime imposed strict media regulations, leading to the press’s resistance and the eventual media liberalization under Habibie. The enactment of the Broadcasting Law No. 32/2002 aimed to balance national interests and media freedom. Key debates arose from the media’s unique political and economic role. Initially, civil society and media advocates supported the new law, while private networks resisted. Despite the ratification of the law, subsequent legal challenges diluted KPI’s regulatory authority, shifting key powers to the government. This struggle highlighted the lack of political will to fully support media democratization. The ongoing debates involve KPI’s efforts to navigate regulatory complexities, the influence of civil society waning, and media networks lobbying through political avenues. KPI’s role in fostering media democratization has been significant but constrained by limitations in regulating media ownership due to conflicts among KPI, the government, and media businesses. Despite these obstacles, KPI continues to advocate for media content diversity, public participation, and media literacy. This chapter concludes that the dynamic interplay of market forces, civil society, and the state is crucial for democratic broadcasting in Indonesia, with KPI playing a central role in this ongoing process.