By: Puteri Fajrina )*
Amidst the increasingly rapid flow of information in the digital era, the revision of the Broadcasting Law (RUU Penyiaran) is the state’s response to restructuring the outdated national broadcasting system. Television and radio broadcasts are no longer the sole sources of public information. People now consume more information through digital platforms and over-the-top (OTT) streaming services , such as YouTube, TikTok, and Netflix. This phenomenon demands adaptive and progressive regulations to ensure the digital ecosystem remains healthy, productive, and upholds national values.
The Broadcasting Bill is a response to the needs of the times. The government and the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI), particularly Commission I, have demonstrated a serious commitment to updating broadcasting regulations to align with technological developments and public media consumption behavior. Deputy Chairman of Commission I of the DPR RI, Dave Laksono, emphasized that the bill has undergone three substantive amendments, as a form of caution and an effort to align with parent regulations such as the Job Creation Law. This reflects the state’s commitment to developing a legal framework that is truly comprehensive and inclusive and addresses future challenges.
One of the key elements of this revision is the regulation of OTT and digital platforms. The previous Broadcasting Law only regulated analog broadcasting, while the dominance of digital content can no longer be ignored. Therefore, expanding the scope of regulations to digital media is inevitable. Commission I is currently reviewing whether OTT regulations should be included in the revised Broadcasting Law or whether they should be enacted as separate legislation. This approach demonstrates the legislature’s commitment to ensuring regulations are not merely administrative but also effective in managing the increasingly complex digital space.
The Broadcasting Bill is not merely a technical regulation but also has a broader vision, namely to establish it as the foundation of national digital literacy. In a digital landscape dominated by algorithms, the public often falls victim to biased, hoaxed, or even extreme information. Therefore, the presence of regulations capable of protecting the public, especially children and vulnerable groups, from exposure to negative content is crucial.
Amelia Anggraini, a member of Commission I of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI), proposed that the Ministry of Communication and Digital (Komdigi) and the Indonesian Broadcasting Commission (KPI) be given the authority to access digital content recommendation systems or algorithms from platforms like YouTube, Meta, TikTok, and others. This step is not a form of intervention in technology, but rather a preventative measure to keep Indonesia’s digital space healthy, fair, and in line with national values. Developed countries like Canada, France, Singapore, and Türkiye have even implemented similar oversight of digital algorithms.
The bill also places media literacy as a key pillar in national digital transformation. The Acting Head of the North Sumatra Provincial Communications and Informatics Office, Porman Mahulae, believes that the revised Broadcasting Law should be used as a momentum to strengthen the public’s critical understanding of media. Strong digital literacy will prevent the public from being easily provoked by false content, enable them to discern credible information, and foster a responsible digital culture.
Broadcasting transformation must also be directed towards preserving diversity and national identity. In this regard, digital media algorithms should favor local content that reflects Indonesian culture and traditions. The viral Pacu Jalur tradition on social media demonstrates that algorithms can be a tool to strengthen local culture if managed wisely. However, such incidents remain the exception, not a systematic policy. Therefore, future regulations are crucial to direct digital platforms to provide proportional space for Indonesian cultural content.
The Broadcasting Bill also targets economic goals by strengthening the national broadcasting industry. A healthy media ecosystem will create job opportunities, encourage investment, and support innovation in the creative sector. However, all of this must be done without sacrificing freedom of expression and the creativity of industry players. The ideal regulation balances public protection with a free but responsible space for expression.
In this legislative process, Commission I of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI) has opened up space for public participation through Public Hearings (RDPU), involving various parties, including ministries, broadcasting institutions, and representatives of digital platforms. This demonstrates that the drafting of regulations is not done unilaterally, but rather in a collaborative spirit to formulate policies that support the national interest.
With adaptive, progressive, and public-interest-focused regulations, the Broadcasting Bill can provide a strong foundation for national digital governance. Its passage will strengthen public literacy, encourage content diversity, protect users from destructive content, and ensure that Indonesia’s digital transformation proceeds in a healthy and sustainable manner. Therefore, it is the responsibility of all elements of the nation to oversee and support this legislative process to ensure that the results truly represent Indonesia’s national spirit and aspirations for progress in the digital era.
)* The author is a Public Policy Observer
