Regulations in communication sector are seen as not yet democratic. What is seen as democratic includes people’s sovereignty, social justice, and human rights. Sovereignty means people should have all information that are available currently. Related to regulations, these should not be biased, only applying to big capital owners that lead to news coverage mainly covers Jakarta only.
“For example, the Law on Electronic Information and Transaction (ITE) in Indonesia is too authoritarian, especially on the issues of people’s sovereignty sector, social justice, and human rights,” said observer of Media Regulation and Regulator (PR2M), Wendratama, in a discussion and book launching of Membangun Sistem Komunikasi Indonesia: Terintegrasi, Adaptif, dan Demokratis, at UGM Library on Tuesday (24/5). Some researchers and lecturers in Communications studies from UGM were present, including, Rahayu, M.Si, MA, and Dr. Ana Nadhya Abrar, MES.
The researchers presented their ideas on the drafting of the book. Team chairman, Rahayu, M.Si, M.A., submitted her ideas on communication sector regulations that are prevailing in the country. She said these are contradicting with one another.
“Before producing new laws, the prevailing regulations need to be adjusted that will create a harmony between them, rather than contradictory,” she said.
Similarly, Dr. Ana Nadhya Abrar, MES., saw that the duration of prevailing laws is quite long, making them irresponsive and unadaptive.
He further appreciated the launching of the book by the PR2M.
Presently, communication sector is regulated by six laws, namely Law No. 36/1999 on Telecommunication, Law No. 32/2002 on Broadcasting, Law No. 11/2008 on Electronic Information and Transaction, Law No.40/1999 on the Press, Law No.33/2009 on Films, and Law No.14/2008 on Public Information Disclosure. The state has the obligations to maintain the independence of regulatory agencies to make their authorities, duties, and responsibilities running optimally. Hence, the unification of regulators are important and need to be prepared well to increase coordination and effectivity of work as well as good use of state budget.