Minister: Broadcast Quality Important to Building National Character

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Minister of Communication and Digital Affairs, Meutya Hafid, emphasized that broadcast quality plays an important role in shaping the character and behavior of society and the nation. She made the statement while presiding over the swearing-in and inauguration of members of the Central Indonesian Broadcasting Commission (KPI) for the 2026–2029 term in Jakarta on Wednesday, August 26, 2026.

“Broadcasting influences people’s behavior, as well as their perspectives and the environment. Therefore, maintaining broadcast quality is extremely important in shaping the character and behavior of the nation,” Meutya said.

She said the challenges facing KPI are becoming increasingly complex as people’s patterns of obtaining information change, with audiences no longer relying solely on broadcast media but also turning to digital platforms and new media. According to her, efforts to maintain broadcast quality need to focus on safeguarding the quality of democracy, preventing disinformation and information manipulation, and ensuring that content complies with child protection standards.

“Therefore, in our efforts to maintain good broadcast quality, we also need to safeguard the quality of democracy, prevent disinformation and information manipulation, address content that does not comply with child protection standards, as well as competition for public attention that sometimes prioritizes virality over quality content,” she said.

Meutya said competition for public attention often encourages content providers to prioritize virality over quality. Therefore, the principles of content diversity and ownership diversity need to be maintained within the broadcasting ecosystem.

“This situation requires KPI to become more adaptive, not merely focusing on sanctions and penalties, but also on guidance and strengthening the broadcasting ecosystem in the country,” she said.

She added that healthy competition requires a level playing field so that all industry players can develop while continuing to meet broadcasting standards and responsibilities. Meanwhile, Meutya urged KPI and broadcasters to continue prioritizing the public interest, including by providing safe and child-friendly content, strengthening cultural diversity, and educating the public.

“Amid the flood of content, our task is not merely to ensure that people have something to watch. Our task is to ensure that people receive quality information and entertainment,” the Minister said.