"Somebody will go to jail."

Those words spoken on Metro TV's "Indonesia Now" program on May 25 were the first to address the criminal aspect of the ongoing mudflow disaster in Sidoarjo in East Java. And that they came from a cabinet member – Environment Minister Rachmat Witoelar – made the statement even more significant.

That interview and others highlight the tough and intelligent journalism seen each week on the English-language news show that debuted on September 1, 2006. "Indonesia Now" is the country's first internationally-distributed program, seen via satellite and Internet around the world including 40-million households in Japan.

Another revealing interview came shortly after the program's debut. On September 29, 2006, former president B.J. Habibie was asked if the man he succeeded, Soeharto, should face charges for embezzling an estimated $600 million over a 32-year period.

"I think that you have to balance, to look at what he has done for the country, for the people, and what he has done wrong," Habibie said. "And from that you should make a conclusion, a fair conclusion."

Asked if that meant standing trial, Habibie said "Yes."

Among the other notable interview subjects who have appeared on the program – Vice President Jusuf Kalla (who said he couldn't rule out a run for president in 2009); East Timor President Xanana Gusmao; Malaysian opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim; Suciwati, widow of murdered human rights activist Munir; U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice; world featherweight boxing champion Chris John; Japanese jazz legend Sadao Watanabe; Garuda Indonesia President/CEO Emirsyah Satar; and batik designer Iwan Tirta.

"We also talk with leading experts from various sectors who aren't internationally known, for the purpose of providing valuable information to our viewers," said anchor Dalton Tanonaka. "A recent example of that was a property consultant who explained how non-Indonesians can buy real estate here."

And there are more interviews to come, particularly one that has been among the most requested.

"Viewers want us to talk with (Indonesian) singer Anggun, "said anchor Kania Sutisnawinata. "We've been waiting for her to come home from France."

An agreement has been reached for Metro TV's English-language weekly news program "Indonesia Now" to be aired on NHK's BS-1 channel beginning January 15, 2007. This will be the first regularly-scheduled Indonesian program to be shown on Japan 's biggest television network. It will incorporated into NHK's "Asia Crossroads" program.

"We are pleased that viewers in Japan will get a weekly taste of Indonesia 's people and culture through 'Indonesia Now,'" said Zsa Zsa Yusharyahya, Metro TV's director of programming and development.

"Our goal is to seek out quality programming from throughout the region, and 'Indonesia Now' provides information that is valuable to the Japanese people," said NHK "Asia Crossroads" chief producer Hiroyasu Minagi.

The program is anchored by Dalton Tanonaka and Kania Sutisnawinata, and will feature reports on business, culture and travel. An interview with an Indonesian newsmaker will also be part of the package.

The agreement brings Tanonaka back in front of Japanese viewers. He was the anchor of NHK's groundbreaking "Japan Business Today" program from 1990-1994. "This is important because there are many misconceptions and stereotypes about Indonesia ," said Tanonaka. "Providing a balanced picture is the goal of our program."

"Indonesia Now" will air on NHK every Monday at 5:40 p.m. Tokyo time.

Gratifying. That sums up the feeling of Indonesia Now's production team after reviewing the initial feedback on the groundbreaking program.

"Frankly, we’re overwhelmed by the positive responses we're getting," says executive producer Rullah Malik.

"Indonesia Now" is the first English-language news program in the country created and produced for international audiences. It airs weekly at 7:30 p.m. Jakarta Standard Time. Since the show's debut on September 1, viewers have been sending comments and suggestions from many parts of the world.

Bimo in Ho Chi Minh City wrote that he watches "Indonesia Now" through a satellite dish that he and many other relocated Indonesians use to get programming from their home country.

"Great contents! A new and forward step for Indonesia's TV industry, particularly Metro TV. Keep it up!" he said.

Amelia wrote from Abbotsford in British Columbia, Canada. She said: "(Your program has) truly balanced news of Indonesia, so viewers from different countries see the truth of Indonesia. Thank you, Metro TV."

Former Indonesia residents make up the initial bulk of overseas viewers. Joyce in Tsing Yi, Hong Kong, is one of them.

"This... is good for us who've been away from Indonesia, to know what is going on..." she wrote.

Not all viewers liked what they saw, or what they didn't see. The September 8 "Islam Today" segment provided a general overview of Christianity in Indonesia, and included interviews with churchgoers along with historical perspective that included sectarian violence.

Ross in London didn’t feel the segment went far enough: "A report on religious freedom was quite plainly a disgrace to… professional journalism. No mention was made of the many examples of Islamic hoodlum tactims..."

Domestic audiences are tuning in, many saying the substance and style of the international-standard program is something they've never had before.

"'Indonesia Now' brings a balanced view of local communities throughout Indonesia," said Fatrial in South Sulawesi.

Nadya in Palembang summed up her personal reason for watching: "I like Kania and Dalton... they are a great (team) in news presenting."

A fresh look at current events and the culture of Indonesia is now available to viewers around the world.

Metro TV has launched a new weekly half-hour English-language program titled "Indonesia Now," aimed at providing an objective view of the country and region. The show debuted on September 1.

Co-anchoring the program are Metro TV's Kania Sutisnawinata and former CNN International anchor Dalton Tanonaka.

"We are proud and excited to provide domestic and international viewers a regular look at the real Indonesia," said Metro TV's Programming & Development Director Zsa Zsa Yusharyahya. "And to have such experience and enthusiasm in our anchors gives us a tremendous start."

Sutisnawinata has served as a reporter and anchor for several Metro TV business and news programs. Born in Jakarta, Sutisnawinata's background and cultural roots bring a deep understanding of the country to the program.

"There are many stories to tell about Indonesia that aren't being told anywhere else," said Sutisnawinata.

Tanonaka brings an award-winning regional perspective to the team, having launched international programs in Tokyo and Hong Kong in more than 10 years of experience in Asia.

"Stereotypes and misrepresentations about Indonesia are plentiful outside of the country," said Tanonaka, a native of Hawaii. "This program will provide an honest and balanced look at what’s happening here, something very timely with what's going on around the world."

"Indonesia Now” airs on Friday nights at 7:30 p.m Jakarta time, and repeats several times throughout the weekend. For distribution or advertising information, contact Henny Puspitasari at henny@metrotvnews.com.