JAKARTA, thekabarnews.com—The House of Representatives (DPR) approved five nominees for the RRI Public Broadcasting Institute (LPP-RRI) Supervisory Board for the 2026–2031 term on Thursday, Oct. 8.

The House approved the nominees during its 10th plenary meeting of the 2026–2027 legislative session. The decision followed House Commission VII’s fit-and-proper test on Wednesday, when 15 candidates presented their experience and plans for the public broadcaster.

The five nominees are

Soleman Yusuf, representing RRI
Bara Ilyasa, representing the public
Widiarsi Agustina, representing the public
Mohamad Reza, representing the government
Margaretta Fajar Kurnia Putri, representing the public

House Deputy Speaker Sufmi Dasco Ahmad asked lawmakers whether they approved the names presented by Commission VII. Legislators endorsed the list without objection.

Under Government Regulation No. 12/2005, the president formally appoints LPP-RRI supervisory board members upon the House’s recommendation. The regulation provides for a five-year term and allows members to serve one additional term.

Forty members of Commission VII participated in Wednesday’s vote. Soleman, Bara, Widiarsi and Mohamad each received 26 votes, while Margaretta secured 25. The commission also selected five reserve nominees in case a board position becomes vacant.

Commission VII Chairman Saleh Partaonan Daulay said the hearings were open to the public and available through the House’s broadcasting and online platforms.

“The public could observe the fit-and-proper test, both in person and through the House’s broadcasting and digital channels. This formed part of Commission VII’s commitment to ensuring a transparent process that can be held accountable to the public,” Saleh said.

He urged the incoming board to move beyond procedural supervision.

“The Supervisory Board should not merely perform administrative oversight. It must also ensure that LPP-RRI maintains sound, accountable and responsible governance,” he said.

The nominees bring experience from broadcasting, journalism and public institutions. Soleman heads RRI’s Bandung station. Widiarsi served on the supervisory board of national news agency Antara from 2020 to 2024, while Mohamad served on the Indonesian Broadcasting Commission from 2022 to 2025. RRI published their professional backgrounds during the selection process.

The board’s responsibilities extend beyond evaluating management performance. Government Regulation No. 12/2005 authorizes it to establish RRI’s general and broadcasting policies, approve its annual budget and oversee the neutrality and independence of its broadcasts. The board also selects, appoints and may dismiss members of RRI’s board of directors.

Commission VII member Bane Raja Manalu stressed that RRI’s nationwide public reach must remain central to its mission.

“RRI reaches people in their homes. RRI must preserve that reach and provide accurate, constructive news that can strengthen Indonesia’s optimism,” Bane said.

The incoming board will oversee RRI as audiences increasingly consume news through digital platforms rather than conventional radio alone. Its central challenge will be modernizing distribution and content without compromising editorial independence, public accountability or nationwide access.