RRI To Operate As Media Partner During 2014 Elections

Jakarta, Sept 11 (Antara) - Public radio station Radio Republik Indonesia (LPP RRI) has revealed that it will play the role of a media partner in the coverage of the 2014 general elections. "We have collected the General Election program guidance documents, which will help RRI function as a reliable, fair and neutral media partner while covering the elections in Indonesia next year," LPP RRI President Director Rosarita Niken Widiastuti told Antara in an interview here on Wednesday. By adhering to the guidance documents, she said, LPP RRI could assure Indonesian citizens and stakeholders of objective reports and fair coverage during the 2014 general elections. Niken stated that LPP RRI will assist all parties that will take part in the 2014 general elections and has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to that effect with the General Election Commission (KPU). "The RRI is also capable of doing a quick count, which we had done during the 2004 and 2009 general elections," said Niken, who also served as President of Asia Pacific Institute for Broadcasting Development. Niken noted that RRI has at least 7,500 radio respondents across Indonesia who can contribute to the quick count process during the elections. "Some survey agencies have to make do with only around 2,000 contributors for a quick count. Therefore, we can be at the forefront of the quick count process," she explained. Niken expressed belief that RRI could provide near-accurate results through a quick count because they use the appropriate methodology and follow a scientific calculation process. "We will implement the quick count process during the 2014 elections to provide people with correct information," she said.