Jakarta (ANTARA) - Minister of Communication and Informatics, Johnny G. Plate, has asked public and private broadcasting agencies to ensure the availability of set-top boxes (STB) so that the Analog Switch-Off (ASO) program can proceed well.

"We must ensure the availability of a good receiving device, which is the set-top box for televisions that have not met the requirements of DVBT2 (Digital Video Broadcasting Second Generation Terrestrial) or digital TV," Plate said here on Friday.

ASO is a historic step for the country's broadcasting industry and signals the switch from analog to digital television broadcasts.

According to the minister, ASO was proudly celebrated at the 89th National Broadcasting Day commemoration on April 1, 2022.

The success of the ASO program is a joint task and responsibility of the government, multiplexing organizers, broadcasting agencies, and the public, Plate said.

One of the important factors determining the success of ASO is the availability of multiplexing (MUX) and adequate digital infrastructure, he added.

"(I hope for the support of) the seven multiplexing organizers to ensure that the multiplexing infrastructure is available," he stated.

Related news: Analog switch-off to begin with 5 NTT regions

Furthermore, Plate explained the mandate of Law No. 11 of 2020 on Job Creation and Government Regulation No. 46 of 2021 on Post, Telecommunications, and Broadcasting.

Both regulations assign broadcasting agencies and multiplexing organizers with the task of ensuring the availability of STBs for poor families or nondigital television owners in Indonesia, he informed.

As per the regulation, the government's task is to help provide set-top boxes under the ASO program, Plate highlighted.

"This commitment is what will determine the success of Indonesia's ASO broadcasting," he remarked.

The nationwide switch from analog to digital television broadcasts is part of Indonesia's efforts to declare its digital sovereignty, he said.

"Indonesia's commitment to the UN ITU (International Telecommunication Union) should have been done in 2015. Although we delayed a little, this is Indonesia's momentum to ensure that starting from November 2, 2022 (the last stage of ASO), Indonesian (TV broadcasts) can be fully digital," he added.

Related news: Digital TV will offer child-friendly features: government official





Translator: Livia K, Kenzu T
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
Copyright © ANTARA 2022