Jakarta – Following the September-made decision not to renew its contract with PT Direct Vision, Malaysia’s Astro All Asia Networks Plc has withdrawn its programming from the Indonesian pay-TV operator. This brings to a close the grace periods extended by Astro. Direct Vision’s 98,000 subscribers were informed on-screen the night of Sunday 19 October 2008; company plans to offer refunds to some 36,000 subscribers who had paid in advance for the service. Spokesman says the company hopes it will not have to lay off its 1,600 employees, but Direct Vision is awaiting further direction from shareholders over its continued operation. Astro did not renew its contract with Direct Vision over an unpaid bill for US$245 million, and October 6 saw Astro file a notice of arbitration with the Singapore International Arbitration Center for recovery of the money from other companies within the Lippo Group – which owns 49 percent of Direct Vision.