One of the obstacles (to disburse the STB) is the extreme weather in (the provinces of) South Kalimantan and South Sumatra,
Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Communication and Informatics Ministry continues to boost the readiness of Bali, South Kalimantan 1, and South Sumatra 1 broadcasting areas ahead of the analog switch-off (ASO) implementation in the regions on March 20.

"The Communication and Informatics Ministry continues to monitor ASO preparations in the three regions, especially the provision of set top boxes (STB) for poor households," the ministry's Director General for Public Information and Communication Usman Kansong told ANTARA on Friday (March 3).

The STB distribution to impoverished households at the three broadcasting areas had reached 45 percent as of Wednesday (March 1, 2023).

The director general revealed that several obstacles, including extreme weather, hindered the distribution of STBs in some areas.

"One of the obstacles (to disburse the STB) is the extreme weather in (the provinces of) South Kalimantan and South Sumatra. However, this does not change the target of (our) preparations (to start the ASO) on March 20, 2023," he said.

The Communication and Informatics Ministry also coordinates with the Trade Ministry as well as the Electronics Business Association (Gabel) to ensure the availability of STB in the market.

The Bali broadcast area includes the eight districts of Jembrana, Tabanan, Badung, Gianyar, Klungkung, Bangli, Karangasem, Buleleng as well as one city, Denpasar.

South Kalimantan 1 broadcast area covers the cities of Banjarmasin and Banjarbaru as well as the districts of Banjar, Barito Kuala, and Tanah Laut.

Meanwhile, the South Sumatra 1 broadcast area covers Palembang City, Banyuasin District, Ogan Ilir District, and Ogan Komering Ilir District.

Some 506 stations out of the total of 695 television stations throughout Indonesia have carried out full digital broadcast, while 62 others are making simulcasts — or conducting analog and digital broadcasts simultaneously.

In addition, 47 television stations are still using analogue broadcast and are in the midst of making the shift to digital television.

The Communication and Informatics Ministry had announced that it would also prepare a Digital Broadcasting System (DBS) in 2023 for 113 blank spot areas not covered by analog television broadcasting services.

The term “blank spot area” refers to regions that can only access television broadcasts through satellite and paid television services.


Related news: Analog TV broadcast comes to an end in Greater Jakarta

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Translator: Fathur Rochman, Uyu Liman
Editor: Tia Mutiasari
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