The Government has recently released a draft government regulation on reporting activities of foreign broadcasting agencies (“Draft GR”). The Draft GR was created to facilitate the implementation of Article 30(3) of Law No. 32 Year 2002 on Broadcasting (the “Law”).  

The Draft GR defines foreign broadcasting agency as a broadcasting entity established in foreign countries. It also clarifies that such entities may not be established in Indonesia. However, the Draft GR permitted temporary broadcasting activities and/or other journalism activities subject to the minister’s approval.

For the purposes of temporary broadcasting, foreign agencies may carry with them satellite or terrestrial transmitter after obtaining the license from the minister of telecommunication.

Foreign broadcasting agencies may also open representative office or place correspondent to perform its journalistic activities with the minister’s approval. The government will further enumerate the procedures in obtaining licenses through a ministerial regulation.

Although it explicitly refers to foreign broadcasting agencies, if read in whole, it appears to target foreign news agencies. The Draft GR may soon be enacted into Government Regulation without significant impediment. (mma)