In carrying out the decisions taken by the Third Meeting of ASEAN Heads of Government in Manila, 14 - 15 December 1987 regarding the enhancement ASEAN cooperation in the field of information, particularly in the areas of television, radio, film and video, the First Conference of ASEAN Ministers Responsible for information held in Jakarta from 24 - 25 May 1989 adopted the following consensus:

I. Principles of ASEAN Cooperation in the Areas of Television, Radio, Film and Video

1. Considering that the Television,- Radio, Film and Video media have a strategic and vast potential in the overall development of each of the ASEAN countries, the ASEAN Ministers Responsible for Information agreed to encourage these media tcy play a more active and constructive role in promoting the goals of ASEAN including the preservation of political stability, economic growth, social justice, greater regional cohesion and the development of human resources to their full potential.

2. The media in ASEAN have a role and reponsibility to continue promoting greater awareness and understanding among the peoples of ASEAN of their history, traditions and ideals, and continue to enhance positive relationships among ASEAN member countries.

3. In order to accomplish these objectives, the media should strengthen and enhance cooperation in the areas of broadcast technology, programme production, improving the standards and quality of personnel as well as sharing experiences to overcome negative influences from outside the ASEAN region.

4. The Conference expressed its appreciation and supported the programmes sponsored by the ASEAN Committee on Culture and Information (COCI) designed to facilitate the exchange of information including the electronics, film, print and interpersonal media in order to strengthen the socio-cultural relationships among ASEAN member countries.

The Conference agreed to enhance the exchange of television programmes, featuring new items, the daily life and culture of the ASEAN peoples.

III. ASEAN Cooperation in Radio

The Conference agreed to produce specific radio programmes on ASEAN to be broadcast by national radio stations.

1. ASEAN Radio - TV Symposium Orchestra

The Conference agreed to request ASEAN COCI to consider reviving the "All ASEAN Radio and Television Orchestra " ( ASEAN Symposium Orchestra) focusing on ASEAN music and composers, highlighting the diversity of talent in the ASEAN region in conjunction with COCI projects on Music and Song Festivals.

2. ASEAN Songs for Radio and Television

Within the framework of efforts to foster unity, solidarity and harmony among the peoples of ASEAN, the Conference agreed that Indonesia's contribution of the song "ASEAN Harmony" which reflects this feeling of unity and solidarity be broadcast on radio and television in ASEAN countries.

The Conference expressed appreciation to Indonesia and encouraged composers from other ASEAN countries to present their composition for endorsement. (The melody and lyrics of the Indonesian composition "ASEAN Harmony" Appears as Annex 1).

1. Facilitating Production Crews

The Conference agreed that there should be improvements in the arrangements for facilitating the work of TV production crews from ASEAN member countries on location in any ASEAN member country.

2. Exchange Programme, Training and Workshop

The Conference agreed that:

2.1. The exchange of TV personnel, training and pooling of skills be carried out on an attachment basis on a rotational system;

2.2. A study be undertaken to assess the possibility of utilizing the already existing Asian Institute for Broadcasting Development (AIBD) facilities in Malaysia for training purposes;

2.3. TV managers, programme, planners, producers, directors and writers be encouraged to attend periodic workshops on enhancing and accelerating ASEAN TV cooperation, with private TV stations being invited for input.

VI. ASEAN Cooperation in Film/Video

The Conference took note of the following recommendations:

1. That a study be undertaken to examine and compare the existing laws, policies and taxes on film production, marketing, distribution, and exhibition, importation and exportation in the various ASEAN countries, with a view to working out common standards and incentives to stimulate the free flow of ASEAN films throughout the region;

2. That in order to encourage the promotion and the dissemination of more ASEAN films, a network of cineclubs or film societies be established in the ASEAN member countries to be assisted by ASEAN COCI 'in the respective member countries;

3. That an ASEAN Film Development Fund be created to finance the production of films that promote better understanding among ASEAN countries and project ASEAN cultures to the rest of the world, with seed money to be contributed by the ASEAN countries The fund may be managed by the Asian Development Bank (ADB). The fund once establish can solicit grants from foundations and institutions from affluent countries especially ASEAN dialogue partners;

4. That ASEAN film booths be put up in international film markets and festivals to be handled either by ASEAN Governments or the private film industries sector;

5. That workshop programmes be organized for film professionals starting with feature film script writers and directors;

6. That the continuing and effective exchange of training programmes and information in various aspects of film making to include students; trainees and experts be implemented in the C-arliest possible time;

7. That ASEAN COCI through its programmes facilitate the telecasting of ASEAN films over the ASEAN national TV networks.

8. That a constant exchange of compilations of special film production services, equipments and facilities available in each ASEAN country and prices thereof be conducted;

9. That a study be conducted on the feasibility of putting up a plant to manufacture raw film and magnetic stocks for ASEAN use as well as for export;

10. That a periodic exchange of film catalogues and film clips among the ASEAN countries be undertaken to serve as a basis for the distribution of films to ASEAN member countries; and

11. That the Governments of the ASEAN countries, through law and public policy, stimulate and support the production of more culturally and socially valuable films in the region, and agreed to request the COCI to examine the above recommendations for possible implementation.

The Conference recognized the importance of interpersonal communication and agreed on the continuation and enhancement of the existing programmes to foster closer relationship and better understanding among the peoples of ASEAN.

The Conference agreed that the Senior Officials Meeting for the Conference of the ASEAN Ministers Responsible for Information meet as and when necessary to coordinate the implementation of the decisions of the Ministers.

DONE in Jakarta, Republic of Indonesia, on the twenty-fifth day of May, one thousand nine hundred and eighty-nine.

For the Government of Brunei Darussalam:

signed

PEHIN DATO HAJI ISA BIN IBRAHIM
Special Adviser to His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam in the Prime Minister's Office and Minister of Home Affairs

For the Government of the Republic of Indonesia:

signed

HARMOKO
Minister of Information

For the Government of Malaysia:

signed

DATO' MOHAMED RAHMAT
Minister of Information

For the Government of the Republic of the Philippines:

signed

G. NOEL TOLENTINO
Press Undersecretary

For the Government of the Republic of Singapore:

signed

DR. YEO NING HONG
Minister for Communications and Information

For the Government of the Kingdom of Thailand:

signed

KHUNYING SUPATRA MASDIT
Minister attached to the Prime Minister's Office in Charge of Information