'Embedded journalism threatens independence'<\/p>\n
Kurniawan Hari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta<\/p>\n
The objectivity and independence of media coverage on Aceh could
\nbe threatened should journalists be embedded with Indonesian
\ntroops after they launch a military operation in the troubled
\nprovince.<\/p>\n
Media analysts demanded that the Indonesian press always seek
\nout the truth as its ultimate goal as this would benefit the
\nAcehnese people.<\/p>\n
\"Journalists must make use of the situation for the benefit of
\nthe people,\" Press Council chairman Atmakusumah Astraatmadja told
\nThe Jakarta Post here on Tuesday.<\/p>\n
He said that journalists would not be able to maintain their
\nindependence if they were traveling with a military unit.
\nHowever, such lack of objectivity and independence could be
\nrectified to some extent by increasing the amount of information
\nbeing reported from both sides.<\/p>\n
Leo S. Batubara of the Indonesian Press and Broadcasting
\nSociety (MPPI) and Ignatius Haryanto of the Institute for Press
\nand Development Studies (LSPP) concurred with Atmakusumah, saying
\nthat the professionalism of journalists should be upheld to
\nmaintain independence during war coverage.<\/p>\n
The observers were commenting on the recent statement by
\nmilitary spokesman Maj. Gen. Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin that the
\nmilitary would \"provide protection\" for journalists on field
\nassignment in Aceh, including after the launch of a military
\noperation.<\/p>\n
The military would also hold a media briefing everyday to
\nensure field reporters gathered the news \"transparently and
\navoided unnecessary distortion of information\".<\/p>\n
Sjafrie stated that information would be supplied only to
\nthose elements of the media that supported the Unitary Republic
\nof Indonesia.<\/p>\n
The announcement by the military seemed reminiscent to many
\nobservers of the embedding of journalists with military units
\nduring the just concluded U.S.-led attack on Iraq, when the press
\nwas criticized in some quarters for failing to produce balanced
\nreporting, and for lacking objectivity.<\/p>\n
Despite warning of the dangers to journalistic independence,
\nLeo nevertheless hailed the openness of the military, adding that
\nit would curb the possibility of human rights abuses and give the
\npeople more access to information.<\/p>\n
Citing experiences in the past, he said that during the 30
\nyears of the New Order regime, military operations in East Timor,
\nIrian Jaya and Aceh had always been closed to public scrutiny.<\/p>\n
\"It turned out later that there were numerous human rights
\nabuses committed during these operations,\" Leo said.<\/p>\n
He added that the openness offered by the Indonesian military
\nshould be supported as it might be able to prevent human rights
\nabuses during the operation.<\/p>\n
Leo hoped that the embedding of journalists would encourage
\nIndonesian soldiers to attempt to win the hearts and minds of the
\nAceh people, rather than only concentrating on defeating the
\nseparatist rebel group.<\/p>\n
Therefore, Leo suggested that the media assign only
\nexperienced journalists to the field in Aceh as inexperienced
\nones would end up just parroting the military line.<\/p>\n
Haryanto meanwhile suggested that journalists emulate medical
\nworkers in conflict zones, who take no sides but continue to do
\ntheir jobs professionally.<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/embedded-journalism-threatens-independence-1447893297",
"image": ""
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
"sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
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