Local NGOs deny discrediting government<\/p>\n
JAKARTA (JP): The recent statement of a cabinet minister on
\nIndonesia's non-governmental organizations (NGOs) spreading lies
\nabout the country abroad has irked some groups.<\/p>\n
Two prominent NGOs, the Indonesian Legal Aid Foundation
\n(YLBHI) and the NGO Network for Forest Conservation in Indonesia
\n(SKEPHI), criticized State Minister of National Development
\nPlanning Ginandjar Kartasasmita yesterday for his recent remark
\nthat local NGOs have been disseminating false data on Indonesia
\nto foreigners.<\/p>\n
In a press statement, YLBHI communication director Hendardi
\nsaid Ginandjar's statement was tantamount to "an unfair political
\npunishment" of local NGOs.<\/p>\n
"This means that the government has punished the NGOs without
\ngiving them a trial," Hendardi said. The foundation also demanded
\nthat Ginandjar support his accusations with evidence.<\/p>\n
"We take his statement to be a smear campaign against NGOs,"
\nHendardi said.<\/p>\n
SKEPHI spokesman S. Indro Tjahjono said Ginandjar's statement
\nshould is cause for concern because it could create public
\nmisunderstanding about the role of NGOs.<\/p>\n
"NGOs are not here to interfere with government programs, much
\nless sabotage them," he said. "NGOs are alternative institutions
\nwhich are critical toward the government's policies, but which
\nalso wish to become its partner."<\/p>\n
On Wednesday Ginandjar accused certain unnamed local NGOs of
\ndisseminating false data and of lobbying international funding
\ninstitutions to stop providing funds to Indonesia.<\/p>\n
He said some NGO members had badmouthed the government's
\nfamily planning and transmigration programs during a recent talk
\nshow in New York. The radio show proved that there are efforts
\noverseas to disseminate misinformation and disinformation about
\nIndonesia, he said.<\/p>\n
Ginandjar went on to accuse NGOs of trying to destabilize the
\ncountry. "Criticism and sabotage are two different things ...
\nPreventing aid is sabotaging the country's development," he said.<\/p>\n
He also said that, although overseas funding is temporary,
\nIndonesia still needs it at this stage of national development.<\/p>\n
The House of Representatives later called on the government
\n"not to conceal the names of the NGOs spreading lies about
\nIndonesia abroad".<\/p>\n
A.A. Oka Mahendra of the ruling Golkar faction said the
\ngovernment "should transparently name the NGOs and take actions
\nagainst the naughty NGOs".<\/p>\n
In a democratic country, such as Indonesia, he said, the
\ngovernment needs both support and "constructive criticism".<\/p>\n
"Plenty of NGOs have good ideas and actually contribute to
\ndevelopment," he said, as quoted by the Antara news agency.<\/p>\n
Hamzah Haz of the United Development Party faction said that,
\nas long as the government is "open", it should not be prejudiced
\nagainst criticism.<\/p>\n
Hari Sabarno of the Armed Forces faction said that, even if
\nthey have good intentions, it is "unethical" for NGOs to
\nundermine the country's image abroad. (swe)<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/local-ngos-deny-discrediting-government-1447893297",
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
"sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
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