At the beginning of the month Minister of Communication and Informatics, Budi Arie Setiad, encouraged the Public Broadcaster, Radio Republik Indonesia (RRI) to implement digitisation, in order to use advanced technology required to encourage interactivity. The minister sees the current disruption to the broadcasting industry as a big and serious challenge. This urgently requires “the radio broadcasting industry to adapt to technological developments,” as stated in a Public Discussion “Challenges and Opportunities for Radio Broadcasting Digitalization” organized by RRI in Jakarta, at the beginning of August.
Minister Budi Arie emphasized that the Ministry of Communication and Informatics has issued regulations for the development of digital-based radio broadcasting. But, in his view, the regulation needs to be accompanied by four strategic steps.
“First, the need for coordinated planning to ensure the direction of digitalization that is in accordance with market developments, community demands and sustainable. Second, a multistakeholder approach that seeks organizers, regulators and the public in various stages of digital radio broadcast development,” he said.
The third step is related to optimising the development of the digital radio ecosystem using the RRI infrastructure which includes accommodating the DRM and DAB+ technology standards, already included in the ministerial recommendation of 2023.
To better respond to the growing trends and needs of the Indonesian audience, the Minister of Communication and Informatics supports the introduction of more interactive and accessible formats, such as the use of audio on demand as well as the use of data analytics. Going the extra digital step will ensure that “the future of radio actually opens up promising opportunities. In fact, it can encourage programme and advertising development strategies that are in accordance with the latest consumer behaviour patterns,” the Minister said.
For a full text of the press release go to: Ministry of Communication and Informatics Technology (kominfo.go.id).
