The Indonesian Broadcasting Commission (KPI) has released a circular notifying public broadcasting bodies, television and radio networks not to live broadcast trials related to terrorism.

In the circular released on Friday, the KPI said it made the decision to uphold the authority of the court, ensure the success of trials, protect the security of court officers and witnesses, as well as curb the potential spread of extreme ideology and prevent people from idolizing terrorists.

In a discussion on the live broadcast of terror trials on May 28, National Police spokesperson Insp. Gen. Setyo Wasisto said the long-running coverage of terror trials might raise sympathy from certain people and make the suspected terrorist a role model.

“This could inspire people, who are not sure and not interested at first, to become interested [in terrorism]."

Setyo said the police had received harsh protests worldwide when a picture of the suspect of the Bali terror attacks waving and smiling went viral. “’How come [terrorists] get such a big space?' That’s what they said,” Setyo recalled.

Imam Wahyudi, a member of the Press Council, said authorities must pay attention to both media content and public interests.

“The public not only need information on the matter but also a guarantee that they can have a good, safe and peaceful life,” Iman said.

On May 25, three days before the discussion, the hearing of Aman Abdurrahman, the key ideologue for the Islamic State movement in Indonesia, was briefly suspended due to explosion-like sounds. (stu/ebf)