KPI strikes again: 42 songs banned from daytime broadcast

Indonesian netizens were outraged as a list of 42 songs banned by the Indonesian Broadcasting Commission (KPI) from daytime broadcast in West Java is making Internet rounds. The list was embedded in a circular letter dated June 21. Vice Chairman of KPI West Java Basith Patria confirmed that the circular letter is genuine. However, he stated that it was not issued by KPI West Java, but by the KPI headquarters.

Basith explained that the KPI received complaints that several songs are considered to be inappropriate for daytime broadcast.The KPI and the Indonesian National Private Broadcast Radio Association (PRSSNI) the held a meeting, in which the latter asked for guidelines of what is appropriate for daytime and nighttime broadcast. However, the guidelines are actually stipulated in the Broadcasting Code of Conduct and Broadcast Program Standards.

The KPI claimed that the censorship is something they are encouraged to do. Basith stated that songs broadcast by Indonesian radio should always be in line with child protection principles and the rights of children and teenagers.