This discussion of the cultural aspects of mass media in Indonesia covers the following topics: (1) PALAPA, the Indonesian communications satellite; (2) cultural, demographic, and economic characteristics of Indonesia; (3) television policies and programming; (4) the number of government- and privately-owned radio stations; (5) a longitudinal study being conducted to explore the social impact of television; and (6) development objectives, with emphasis on the role of telecommunications in education. A number of distance education projects at all levels are briefly described. (24 references). (MES)