The Development of the Broadcasting Ecosystem in Indonesia, Evaluation of Media Policies, and Industry Adaptation to New Technologies

Abstract

This article analyzes the transformation of Indonesia’s broadcasting ecosystem by evaluating the responsiveness of media policy and examining industry adaptation to new digital technologies. The study is grounded in observed tensions between traditional regulatory paradigms and the accelerated shift toward convergent, interactive, and multiplatform broadcasting practices. A qualitative policy study was adopted, supported by in-depth interviews to obtain nuanced insight into regulatory substance and practitioners’ experiential knowledge. Empirical data were collected in Jakarta, selected because it is the national center of broadcast regulation and the primary locus of media industry concentration. Four informants were purposively selected a senior national regulator, a digital strategy director of a private television network, a content manager of a digital media platform, and a representative from a broadcasting industry association based on their strategic involvement in digital transformation processes. Findings indicate regulatory adaptation lags behind industry innovation, revealing policy gaps that both hinder and stimulate opportunities for content development. The study recommends adaptive regulatory reform, enhanced collaborative dialogue, and continuous support for local content innovation to strengthen a sustainable broadcasting ecosystem.