Broadcasting Industry Must Grow Healthily and Serve the Public Interest

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Member of the Central Indonesian Broadcasting Commission (KPI) Widhie Kurniawan, who oversees Policy Development and Broadcasting Systems, said the broadcasting industry must serve the public interest by building a healthy ecosystem at both the national and regional levels.

He said the growth of the broadcasting industry needs to be supported by improving content quality and providing financial support so that all industry players, including local broadcasters, can develop sustainably.

“The broadcasting industry serves the public interest. We must build a broadcasting industry ecosystem. KPI should not be seen merely as a referee saying this is wrong, this is not right, or this is lacking. Instead, we need to ensure that the broadcasting industry grows healthily, both at the national and regional levels,” Widhie said after attending 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.

According to him, KPI should not only carry out its routine functions, such as planning and supervising broadcasting activities, but also encourage the industry to produce content that strengthens national character. He cited the need for more local content and films featuring Indonesian symbols, which he said could strengthen national character and the spirit of nationalism.

“Why not have the Red and White flag in all of our content, for example? It doesn't have to be deliberately designed, but it could appear naturally. This is where Indonesian national character can emerge strongly,” he said.

In addition to strengthening national character, Widhie emphasized the importance of content diversity in the broadcasting industry. He said broadcasts should not be dominated by a single type of content but should include various formats, such as feature programs and cultural programs, to provide audiences with more diverse choices.

“Content diversity is important. Not everything should be a variety show, and not everything should be a dialogue program. There should also be features, cultural programs, and a wide range of content. I think that is the most important thing going forward,” Widhie said.

He also commented on plans to expand KPI’s authority to oversee digital and social media content. According to Widhie, KPI’s efforts must remain guided by the applicable laws and regulations.

“KPI’s actions must first be based on the law. That is what was discussed during the hearing. Hopefully, there will be an expansion of authority. That is our hope, to expand KPI’s authority. We understand that the number of KPI commissioners will increase from nine to 11, and one of the things we hope for is authority to oversee social media or digital platforms,” he said.