Preparation for amending the regulation on analog switch-off phasing is underway
Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Ministry of Communication and Informatics has announced a new schedule for the planned analog switch-off, announcing it will start next year and will be executed in three instead of the five phases planned earlier.



"Preparation for amending the regulation on analog switch-off phasing is underway," Communication and Informatics Minister Johnny G Plate said during a webinar with Astra and the Indonesian Journalist Association on Thursday.



The analog switch-off implementation is mandated by Law No. 11 of 2020 on Job Creation to take place a maximum of two years following the promulgation of the law. According to the interpretation of the law, the government still has time until November 2, 2022 to execute the analog switch-off, the minister noted.


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The minister attributed the recent increase in COVID-19 infections and the extension of the community activity restrictions(PPKM) as the main factor behind the delay in making the switch.



The first phase of the switch-off has now been rescheduled to April 31, 2022, he announced adding, the second phase will be conducted until the end of August 2022, while the third phase is expected to start by November 2022.



"We push the date back to allow more time to prepare and adjust to the current situation. We hope the COVID-19 situation will improve so we can start the analog switch-off next year," Plate said.



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The ministry earlier planned to divide the analog switch-off into five phases, with the first phase of the switch-off planned for August 17, 2021 this year to coincide with the 76th anniversary of Indonesian independence, he informed.



The succeeding phases were planned to follow until the completion of the fifth phase in November 2022, he added.



An analog switch-off is inevitable as the country needs to shift to better technology to improve the digital broadcast and television industry, the minister stated.



He said he is optimistic that the transition to a digital system would ensure stable television broadcast reception for Indonesian viewers.


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Translator: Natisha A, Nabil Ihsan
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
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