Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesia’s Ministry of Law said on Friday it would allow residents, community groups and businesses, including micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), to hold public viewings of the 2026 FIFA World Cup through state-run broadcaster TVRI, underscoring the government’s push for broad public access while upholding intellectual property rules.

Arie Ardian Rishadi, Director of Law Enforcement at the Intellectual Property Directorate General, said the ministry considers TVRI’s free-to-air broadcast policy a clear sign of the government’s commitment to legal certainty, public participation and the protection of copyright in the broadcasting sector.

“This policy reflects good practice in the management of copyrights and related rights, particularly in ensuring that broadcasting activities comply with the law while remaining accessible to the public,” Rishadi said in a statement.

As the official broadcaster of the tournament, Rishadi added, TVRI has demonstrated responsible management of intellectual property by exempting MSMEs and community organizers from licensing fees for public screenings, while at the same time educating the public on the importance of lawful broadcasting rights.

Related news: Indonesia's TVRI secures 2026 FIFA World Cup broadcast rights

He said the inclusive policy could help increase awareness of legal public viewings and dispel the perception that intellectual property protection necessarily restricts economic or social activity, particularly for small businesses that often rely on communal events to attract customers.

TVRI President Director Iman Brotoseno said the free-to-air broadcasts are intended to maximize the social and economic benefits of the World Cup, which will be co-hosted by Canada, the United States and Mexico from June to July 2026.

Brotoseno said TVRI welcomes central and regional government institutions, community groups, organizations and MSMEs to organize public viewings, adding that permits issued by TVRI allow organizers to work with local sponsors in accordance with existing regulations.

He said TVRI formally secured the broadcasting rights on Dec. 31, 2025, and will air all 104 matches, from the group stage to the final, free of charge on TVRI Sport and TVRI Nasional channels.

All matches will be broadcast daily from 11:00 p.m. to 11:00 a.m. Western Indonesia Time, Brotoseno said, in line with President Prabowo Subianto’s instruction to ensure inclusive public access to major international sporting events.

Related news: Indonesia sacks Patrick Kluivert after missing 2026 World Cup spot



Translator: Agatha O, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
Copyright © ANTARA 2026