ABSTRACT
The political crisis that engulfed Jakarta in mid-1996 allows examination of the communications strategies and tactics of an authoritarian state at a time when international access by media organizations has become routine. In addition, this case study will trace how the government sought to frustrate political change and reform, particularly in relation to internal political information. By June 1996 several international media organizations were operating in and broadcasting to Indonesia with increasing boldness. For international organizations in particular, Indonesia was relatively mature and open when compared to other countries of the region such as Malaysia, Vietnam, Burma and Singapore. Quite clearly, the situation was different for domestic broadcasters and publishers. In this case study, the role of local gatekeepers – TVRI and Satelindo – will be examined, as will the importance of increasingly sophisticated ‘news management’ by the Indonesian authorities.
