Radio Breaks Down Barriers: Groundbreakers in Business, Reach and Creativity

The Small Theatre at Taman Ismail Marzuki, Jakarta, is big enough to hold more than 150 people. On Wednesday, 5 May 2010, it was it was a full house, buzzing with the Indonesian Radio Awards. Radio professionals including broadcasters, producers, reporters, technicians, station managers, operations directors, managing directors, commissioners, and radio people from all over Indonesia, had gathered to show their appreciation to their world, the world of broadcast radio.

No fewer than five top prizes were awarded to those who best demonstrated their determination and commitment to radio in a radio drama, program promotion, public service announcement, commercial advertisement, or journalistic feature. It was, of course, a great honour for them to receive prizes named after Jusul Ronodipuro and Ken Sudarto. And this year, a Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to the late Ebet Kadarusman. He was living proof of how a radio presenter could take his job seriously, but not necessarily sound serious. Half a century of broadcasting in Indonesia and overseas was proof of his extraordinary commitment to, and love of, his profession.

The winners received their awards not only for competing in the Indonesian Radio Awards, but also for rising to challenges in the real world. On 5 May, there were called ‘groundbreakers’. What most people would see as an obstacles, they saw as opportunities and managed to turn them into a success. Their reporting is inspiring, and paves the way for other radio professionals.

Also hailed as groundbreakers for breaking down barriers were Radio Surabaya, for the successful integration of business and public service; founder of Radio 2.0, Hemat Dwi Nuryanto, for innovative integrated and cost-effective internet-based technology applications; KBR68H’s Asia Calling, for being the first Indonesian radio program to cover Asia and Australia; Gen FM Jakarta’s Salah Sambung team, for designing a unique and exceptional program that the boosted the station’s ratings; and the Alliance of Indonesian Radio Journalists, for pioneering the first professional organisation for radio journalists in Indonesia.

One by one the winners came forward to receive their awards, accompanied by the strains of the Tutamana Quartet. Icing on the cake was master of ceremonies Fahran, also radio born and bred, whose sharp, witty commentary kept the audience entertained.

At last, the day was over. A day that will be remembered by everyone in radio in Indonesia. As the day when the public eye is on the best of the best in the world of radio. As the day when radio crews are proud of their profession, and as the day that spurs them on in their efforts to make Indonesia a more advanced, democratic and open society.

 Indonesian Radio Awards 2010 Winners' List

See you at the 2011 Indonesian Radio Awards!