Indonesia's broadcasting law overhaul stalls as media cross‑ownership debate intensifies

Efforts to revise Indonesia's Broadcasting Law No. 32 of 2002 have repeatedly resurfaced without result. The existing legal framework, drafted before digital TV, streaming services and social‑media convergence, leaves significant gaps, especially regarding cross‑ownership of media assets. Prominent media owners such as Hary Tanoesoedibjo, who controls RCTI, MNCTV, GTV and iNews under MNC Group, and Surya Paloh, head of Media Group and former Minister of Communication and Information, benefit from the regulatory vacuum.

The Ministry of Communication and Information has issued several ministerial regulations on digital broadcasting, yet implementation remains weak. Deputy Minister of Communication and Digital Angga Raka Prabowo highlighted the strategic role of the public broadcaster TVRI, stating, “Di tangan para pemimpin TVRI, ruang informasi kita harus menjadi ruang yang mencerdaskan, memperkuat persatuan, dan menghadirkan informasi yang berpijak pada fakta demi kemajuan Indonesia.” He urged TVRI to counter disinformation, promote factual content, and translate presidential policies into public communication.

The stalled law revision and the emphasis on TVRI’s public‑service mandate underscore ongoing tensions between media conglomerates and the state’s effort to ensure a balanced, fact‑based information environment in Indonesia.