According to 2002 data, Indonesian children watched television for between 30 and 35 hours a week, or 1,560 to 1,820 hours a year. ... The children's Media Development Foundation (YPMA) recorded in 2004 that out of the 80 children's TV programs aired each week, only 12 titles were suitable for minors.

Creating child-friendly cities, a lesson Indonesia needs to learn by Nirwono Joga

Comments: Like their more affluent counterparts in the West, children in Indonesia are becoming more glued to the tube.

The author of this piece sees TV watching as a consequence of children not having sufficient safe places to play. He believes that offering more safe play options will lead to less TV and video game time.

Obviously, inner cities all over the globe could benefit from creating safe play areas for children to run around, play, and be happy. As a parent who lived in an inner city for a time, I can verify that not having a safe place for kids to play can be a problem.

However, even though providing fun, safe alternatives to TV can be a part of a solution, TV addiction can can keep kids indoors, independent of other factors.

The US has plenty of play areas that are underused as kids stay indoors in front of televisions, Game Boys, Xboxes in spite of the opportunity for play.

Parents are central to the solution to providing fun, safe, child-friendly environment. Children may need help getting their TV and video time under control. Parents may need to turn off their kids' TV, and organize with other parents to send kids outdoors to play together.