The Broadcasting Bill Involves Competent Experts to Create Adaptive and Inclusive Regulations
By: Haviful Adi *)
The revision of the Broadcasting Law demonstrates the government’s strategic approach to addressing the increasingly complex challenges of broadcasting in the digital era. Commission I of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI) has taken a central role in refining broadcasting regulations by prioritizing an inclusive approach, involving experts and academics with strong expertise in law and communications. This step reflects the parliament’s commitment to enacting laws that not only align with developments in information technology but also fairly promote the public interest.
The hearing held at the Nusantara II Building, DPR Complex, on July 21, 2025, became an important stage for the drafting of the Broadcasting Bill. In the forum, Commission I of the DPR invited a number of competent academic figures, namely Professor of Law at Padjajaran University Prof. Dr. Ahmad M. Ramli, Permanent Lecturer of the Communication Studies Program at the Islamic University of Indonesia Prof. Dr. rer. Soc. Masduki, and Communication Studies Expert at the University of Indonesia DR. Ignatius Haryanto Djoewanto. The three figures bring scientific perspectives and extensive experience in their respective fields, which are expected to enrich the substance of the draft national broadcasting regulations.
Commission I’s commitment to openness and interdisciplinary thinking is commendable as a manifestation of deliberative democracy in the legislative process. Furthermore, this revision of the Broadcasting Law is not merely cosmetic, but rather targets fundamental changes to the national broadcasting system, which has evolved from a conventional model to a multi-platform one. This situation demands a level playing field for all broadcasting industry players, both traditional broadcasters and digital platforms, which are increasingly dominant in distributing content to the public.
Developing regulations capable of governing a multiplatform broadcasting system is essential to ensure justice and legal certainty. In this context, the involvement of legal experts such as Prof. Dr. Ahmad M. Ramli ensures that the constitutional and legal aspects of the law will be carefully formulated. Meanwhile, the insights of communications experts such as Prof. Masduki and Dr. Ignatius Haryanto are crucial to ensuring that the substance of the regulations does not hinder freedom of expression, while upholding broadcasting ethics and social media responsibility.
Deputy Chairman of Commission I of the House of Representatives, Dave Akbarshah Fikarno Laksono, revealed that the revision of the Broadcasting Bill was a long process that had lasted for more than a decade. This journey reflects the dynamic challenges faced in building effective broadcasting governance. Dave explained that there had been at least three substantive changes to the draft bill, adapting to regulatory dynamics such as the Job Creation Law, which demands harmonization of various sectoral regulations, including those in broadcasting and telecommunications.
This integrative step demonstrates that Commission I of the House of Representatives (DPR) is not merely producing static regulations, but is striving to make laws responsive to changing times. In the context of media globalization, the resulting laws can no longer rely on conventional oversight schemes but must embrace the principles of public participation, consumer protection, and guaranteeing information diversity as part of citizens’ rights.
The involvement of academics in this discussion also addresses criticisms that have arisen from civil society, highlighting the potential for broadcasting regulations to become a tool to restrict freedom of expression if not drafted inclusively. Therefore, Commission I’s openness to listening to input from various stakeholders needs to become a new standard in every lawmaking process, particularly those that directly impact the public sphere and people’s digital rights.
The currently being drafted Broadcasting Bill is key to creating a healthy, competitive, and equitable media ecosystem. In the face of technological disruption and the rapid flow of global information, the state needs to develop legal instruments that not only restrict but also facilitate the growth of quality and professional media. Striking a balance between control and freedom is a key challenge, and one that can only be achieved if lawmakers foster broad dialogue with experts and the public.
High hopes now rest on the final outcome of the currently drafted Broadcasting Bill revision. The legislative commitment to finalizing it this term is a positive signal that the state is serious about protecting the public sphere from potential media abuse without neglecting the principle of freedom of expression. With the support of experts of high integrity and expertise, there is a strong opportunity for this bill to emerge as a progressive, adaptive regulation that favors the public interest.
Amidst the increasingly massive digitalization, broadcasting regulations must be able to meet the needs of the times without losing direction. The existence of strong and legitimate laws is the main foundation for protecting the public from disinformation, strengthening the competitiveness of the national media industry, and creating a civilized broadcasting system. Therefore, expert participation in the legislative process is not merely a formality, but part of the state’s commitment to building a healthy and inclusive information civilization.
)* The author is a Strategic Issue Observer
