[citation needed] JTV originated from a foundation project of a national TV station that was planned by Jawa Pos Group in 1999, under PT Jawa Media Televisi Mandiri (JMTV).

286/SK/Menpen/1999, JMTV was placed as a stand-by if the frequency was obtained,[1] along with the implementation of regional autonomy (including in frequency management) in 2000, Jawa Pos Group decided to establish JTV and submitted its permit to the East Java government in 2001.

[2] The broadcasts were started on 8 November 2001 covering Surabaya and the surroundings, with the capital of 150 million rupiahs and 176 employees.

The appearance of JTV once caused controversies because was considered broadcasting without permit while using its original frequency (38 UHF) by the central government, causing JTV was closed temporarily in May 2002.

Two months later, on 1 July 2002, in conjunction with the 53rd anniversary of Jawa Pos, the grand launching started.