Radio of the Republic of Indonesia (Radio Republik Indonesia, RRI) is Indonesia’s public radio network. RRI was established in 1945 and currently operates several radio channels that reach listeners in all regions of Indonesia and internationally (Voice of Indonesia). The network’s programming is divided into four channels, each with a distinct focus. Channel 1 (Programa 1) is dedicated to local news and educational content. Channel 2 (Programa 2) offers music and lifestyle programs tailored to younger audiences. Channel 3 (Programa 3) provides comprehensive news and current affairs coverage. Channel 4 (Programa 4) is centered on cultural programming.
Media assets
Radio: RRI Pro 1, RRI Pro 2, RRI Pro 3, RRI Pro 4, Voice of Indonesia
State Media Matrix Typology: State-Controlled (SC)
Ownership and governance
In a similar manner to TVRI, RRI was designated as a public service broadcaster through Law 32 of 2002. In accordance with Government Regulation Number 13 on Public Broadcasting Institutions, the station was transformed into a Public Broadcasting Institution.
The main governing structures at RRI are similar to those at TVRI. The Supervisory Board, comprising five members appointed by the People’s Representative Council (one of Indonesia’s two lawmaking bodies), oversees the Board of Directors, which consists of five individuals appointed by the Supervisory Board. Both boards must be approved by the President.
Source of funding and budget
In accordance with Law 32 of 2002, RRI is to be financed through a combination of broadcast fees, state budget allocations, public contributions, and advertising. To date, the broadcast fee (a form of license fee payable by all households in Indonesia) has not been introduced, leaving the government to fund RRI almost entirely through the state budget.
In 2020, RRI had a budget of IDR 1.3tn (US$ 88m), with the majority of funding coming from the government, according to information from the publisher. In 2022, RRI operated with a budget of IDR 941.6bn (equivalent to approximately US$ 63.3m), according to an audited company report.
Editorial independence
Despite the Indonesian government’s enactment of legal provisions aimed at modernizing RRI into a public service broadcaster with editorial independence, RRI’s operations remain aligned with the government’s agenda, reflecting a continued state-sponsored media approach.
Despite the two-board structure at RRI being designed to guarantee independence and equilibrium in the management of the station, an analysis by a local expert has revealed that the supervisory board has effectively become an extension of politicians’ interests.
To date, no statute or body or mechanism to independently validate the editorial independence of RRI has been identified.
September 2024