Soap operas as one of the television representations occupy a unique position in the entertainment media landscape in Indonesia. More than just a medium to relieve stress, television ideally functions in two ways: to entertain and at the same time be a vehicle for transferring cultural, social, and knowledge values ​​that are essential for enlightenment and motivation of the audience. The content presented should be a constructive dialectical space, where society can absorb information, broaden its horizons, and ultimately, be encouraged to actively participate in social development.

However, this ideal narrative is often distorted by the reality of the dynamic and challenging television industry. In recent times, the spotlight has been focused on the world of Indonesian soap operas, where various polemics and controversial issues have surfaced. The Indonesian Broadcasting Commission (KPI) as an independent supervisory institution that has a mandate to maintain broadcast quality, indicates the potential for violations of children's rights in broadcasts that contain elements that do not comply with broadcasting ethics standards. This finding underscores the urgency of stricter content supervision, considering that every broadcast that enters the public space must meet a series of established guidelines and ethics.

In this context, the production of high-quality soap operas is not only an aspiration, but an ethical imperative. Certain standards rooted in moral values ​​and social responsibility must be the compass in every creative process. The latent danger of the spread of non-educational content is the potential degradation of the quality of the younger generation. Exposure to shows that have no added value can erode critical thinking skills, dull social sensitivity, and ultimately hinder the holistic development of the nation's children's potential.

On the other hand, the reality of the television industry cannot be ignored. As part of the "culture industry", television has a strong economic imperative. The main goal of television stations is to attract the highest possible ratings. This will ultimately attract advertisers and generate financial profit. In the dynamics of tight competition, moral and educational values ​​are sometimes marginalized by the ambition to achieve instant popularity and maximum profitability. Economic interests often dictate storylines, character development, and even production quality standards.

However, it is important to emphasize that the public has a fundamental right to receive television shows that are not only entertaining but also educational. The public should not just be passive consumers who simply accept all types of content presented. In the context of "building education", every broadcast program must be produced with careful consideration, considering its impact on the cognitive, emotional, and social development of the audience. As viewers, we also have a responsibility to be critical and selective in choosing what to watch. The ability to sort and choose quality content is an important part of media literacy.

Efforts to standardize broadcast content should not be seen as an attempt to limit creativity in the entertainment world. On the contrary, clear regulations and the implementation of strict ethical standards aim to maintain the quality of television as an important public space. Television has great potential as a platform for sharing knowledge, experiences, and positive values. This potential must be maintained and optimized so that television can carry out its function optimally in educating the nation's life.

The main key to realizing a healthy broadcasting ecosystem in Indonesia is to improve the quality of soap operas in a sustainable manner. To achieve this goal, adequate regulations and consistent implementation are needed. A clear legal umbrella will provide certainty for industry players and at the same time protect public rights. These regulations must include comprehensive ethical standards, effective oversight mechanisms, and strict sanctions for violations.

Author: Hilya Maylaffayza

Image source: Kompas.com