Acting Presidency of Suharto - Information and Telecommunication

Information and Telecommunication

In accordance with the Basic Points of the Press Law, which was passed in late 1966, the Government formed the Press Council in July 1967. The Press Council was an institution designed to assist the Government in developing and fostering the Indonesian media. The Press Council was to be chaired by the Minister of Information.

Towards the end of 1967, the Government also moved to regulate amateur radio broadcasting. Although the Telecommunication Law of 1964 had promised punishment to anyone who was illegally owning radio transmitters, amateur radio stations had begun forming after G30S as a form of political dissent against the then Sukarno Government and had become quite popular as a hobby. The Government regulated that amateur radio stations would be allowed to continue provided that the broadcasters get a permit from the Government before broadcasting and that they join an amateur radio organization.