RRI Asked Not to Be a Radio of the Past in the Middle of Information Floods

RRI President Director Hendrasmo. (IST)

JAKARTA - RRI President Director Hendrasmo asked his staff to maintain the direction of the institution's work amid budget pressures and rapid changes in digital media.

The message was conveyed by Hendrasmo when appointing officials at levels II, III, and IV in the RRI environment. He emphasized that RRI must remain a trusted, relevant, impactful media, and bring Indonesian values.

"In the era of disruption with information flooding, RRI must be present as a light in the midst of the proliferation of disinformation," Hendrasmo said in a written statement Tuesday (28/4).

According to Hendrasmo, RRI's challenge is not only to keep radio broadcasting alive. More than that, RRI must be able to keep up with changes in the way the public consumes information.

Hendrasmo said that RRI has a strategic role as a state media in supporting the achievement of the President's vision and mission. Therefore, strengthening human resources is the main job.

Of the more than 5,000 RRI employees, less than half have a background in broadcasting and reporting. Currently, more than 800 journalists and broadcasters have taken the competency test. The target is more than 1,000 certified personnel by the end of 2026.

The increase in capacity was carried out through the Competence Development Center with a corporate university approach. The program includes administrative, media, and self-learning training in each work unit.

Hendrasmo also said that a number of RRI bureaucratic indicators had improved. Among them were the indices of bureaucratic reform, professionalism, institutional governance, and finance.

Regarding the discussion of merging RRI and TVRI into Radio Televisi Republik Indonesia or RT-RI, Hendrasmo said his party was still waiting for the President's and Commission VII of the DPR RI's directions.

He assessed that the merger could increase efficiency, especially in capital expenditure, technology, and resource management. The move is also expected to strengthen the dissemination of public information.

Hendrasmo said RRI is now strengthening its multiplatform journalism capabilities. RRI cannot just rely on radio.

If the merger is realized, Hendrasmo assessed that RT-RI can become a stronger public broadcasting institution in building national awareness.