Radio Republik Indonesia RRI can expand Batam PRO-3 to Karimun as repeater (FM 102.1MHz) after RRI launched Batam PRO-1 FM 107.2MHz in Karimun Island.

 

On yesterday, I was notified by a Batam DXer that RRI Batam PRO-1 FM 107.2MHz was actually a repeater station in Karimun Island, Indonesia.

 

In Batam, RRI Batam PRO-1 operates on FM 105.1MHz as main transmitter for the island. As Karimun Island is not covered by Radio Republik Indonesia services, RRI Batam adds a repeater in Karimun on FM 107.2MHz. So, Karimun can receive RRI Batam PRO-1 station on FM 107.2MHz.

 

RRI Batam PRO-1 is regional radio as community empowerment center radio station, it plays important rule to serve local community in urban, rural, mountainous and industrial areas. 

 

In my opinion, there is another station of RRI can set up its repeater in Karimun Island, it is Radio Republik Indonesia PRO-3 (Pro-Tiga) as RRI PRO-3 is a news and talk radio station. In addition, I may classify PRO-3 is a flagship radio channel of Radio Republik Indonesia.

 

In Batam, RRI PRO-3 broadcasts on FM 90.9MHz, but low power transmission as 0.1kW to avoid frequency harmonic to airband, according to Indonesia broadcast authority.

For Karimun area, RRI PRO-3 is not covered by any exisiting transmitters. From my view, to deliver Indonesia news to the island, RRI PRO-3 can launch a repeater in Karimun. Therefore, Karimun people can follow the news. In case of emergency event in the region, Karimun people can receive update from RRI PRO-3 via Karimun repeater.

 

Currently there are 3 radio stations in Karimun Island, such as:

1. Radio Canggai Putri FM 105.3MHz

2. Radio Azam FM 103.5MHz

3. RRI Batam PRO-1 FM 107.2MHz (repeater station) 

 

In Karimun, available frequency slots are lesser as the FM spectrum band is mostly occupied by radio stations from Singapore, Batam, and South Johor.

 

Previously I mentioned FM 102.1MHz is not suitable for Karimun transmission, but it applies to high power transmitter. For RRI PRO-3 Karimun repeater, I can propose FM 102.1MHz, but low power transmission instead to cover the island and surrounding areas.

 

Here is my proposal of RRI Batam PRO-3 Karimun repeater.

 

==RRI PRO-3 repeater parameter== 

* Frequency: FM 102.1MHz

* Power: 0.5kW

* Transmitter site: Karimun Island, Indonesia

* Targeting area: Karimun Island, Kundur Island, and Buru Island 

* Antenna type: Directional (Yagi)

 

==RF analysis==

101.9MHz: RTM Johor FM Gunung Pulai

102.1MHz: RRI Batam PRO-3 (Karimun repeater)

<200kHz, OK>

 

102.1MHz: RRI Batam PRO-3 (Karimun repeater)

102.3MHz: Hijrah FM Batam

<200kHz, OK> 

 

 

As my proposed RRI Batam PRO-3 Karimun repeater is using low power transmitter as much as 0.5kW and directional Yagi antenna, so I believe the transmission of RRI Batam PRO-3 Karimun repeater will not interfere RTM Johor FM 101.9MHz Gunung Pulai coverage in Kukup and Tanjung Piai, Johor. 

 

If RRI launches PRO-3 Karimun repeater on FM 102.1MHz, Karimun will get 4th radio station.