The Chinese Embassy asked the Indonesian Broadcasting Commission (KPI) to freeze the 'Voice of Hope' radio program in Batam. The Commission received the request from the Counselor Minister at the Embassy of the People's Republic of China in Jakarta, Monday (7/5).

“They said the radio often broadcasts political propaganda by speading anti-China teachings,' KPI Chairman, Sasa Djuarsa Sandjaya, told Tempo, Tuesday.
The radio station owned by PT Radio Semesta Baru, said Sasa, was suspected of having spread Falun Gong teachings. In its country of origin - China – in the beginning Falun Gong was only a part of martial arts. However, the Chinese government believes that the teachings are misleading.

According to Sasa, the Commission cannot cancel a radio station's permit abruptly. The measure that is to be taken must first be discussed with the Foreign Affairs Department and the State Intelligence Agency (BIN). In addition, the Press Council's opinion must also be considered, whether or not the program's material is in line with the journalistic code of ethics in Indonesia.

The 'Voice of Hope' radio is community radio which has been on-air in FM 106.5 frequency. Around 50 percent of the radio programs' material is conveyed in the Mandarin language. “Half in Indonesian language,” said Sasa.

The Embassy of the People's Republic of China's Counselor Minister for Indonesia, Yu Hong Yao, stated he did not intend to interfere with Indonesia's affairs. “We are only informed that there is Falon Gong in Indonesia, “Yu told Tempo.

According to Yu, he agreed that Falun Gong's activities are only limited to health and well-being. “But if it comes to politics and defaming the Chinese government, then we don't want it,” said Yu.
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