'D&R' case<\/p>\n
It is gratifying, indeed, to learn that the authorities have
\nindicated they have no intention of revoking the publication
\nlicense of the D&R weekly after its portrayal of the head of
\nstate as a King of Spades.<\/p>\n
Among the prevailing crises in the country, this stride
\nforward toward \"genuine\" press freedom, as part of universal
\ndemocratic rights, should be seen as a victory, although still in
\nthe moral sense (the law governing the matter is unfortunately
\nstill in force and theoretically can strike any time!).<\/p>\n
In the past, a less-serious offense was promptly followed by
\nclosing down the publication. It may be the government does not
\nwant to see an increase in the number of unemployed people
\nfollowing the monetary crisis and while the People's Consultative
\nAssembly is in session.<\/p>\n
The situation is now such that Mr. Margiono, the weekly's
\neditor in chief is regarded by the authorities as personally and
\nsingly responsible before the law accountable for his crime,
\npolitical, legal or journalistic.<\/p>\n
However, in contrast with the unprecedented tolerant reaction
\non the part of the power bearers by allowing the weekly to
\ncontinue publication, pending the outcome of court proceedings,
\nthe reaction of the Indonesian Journalists Association (PWI) has
\nrather surprised, not to say disappointed, me.<\/p>\n
I believe the PWI has been correct in warning the weekly that
\nit has violated the Journalist Code of Ethics but the honorary
\nboard of the Press Council in suspending Margiono from his post,
\ninstead of his PWI membership, should have waited until after a
\nverdict has been handed out by the court.<\/p>\n
I further believe that a period of two years suspension for a
\nmoral offense is too harsh a verdict. Do not forget, while the
\ngovernment may see it as a criminal case, the military or the
\npolice as political subversion, most journalists, like myself,
\nconsider it a moral issue! A six months suspension from PWI
\nmembership seems more appropriate. A replacement editor should be
\ninstalled by the weekly's owner without pressure from outside.<\/p>\n
GANDHI SUKARDI<\/p>\n
Jakarta<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/dr-case-1447893297", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }