Astro extends service to Direct Vision indefinitely

The satellite operator was supposed to terminate its programming on DV, which is 49 per cent owned by Lippo Group, from 1 October, as a result of a much publicised conflict between tycoons Anand Krishnan and James Riady, who helm Astro and Lippo, respectively.

According to media consultant Ratna Mahadi, a former senior executive at Star in Indonesia, Astro is keen to hang on to its toehold in Indonesia. “Astro has invested a lot in Indonesia in terms of people and infrastructure, and I don’t think it would just want to leave it and go away. It is also possible that it is just looking for another partner before it terminates its programming."

Last month Astro announced its decision not to renew its contract with DV. The Malaysian company has since been on a lookout for a Indonesian partner and is reported to be in talks with several local operators in the country.