PDI-P leader threatens press, students<\/p>\n
The Jakarta Post, Jakarta<\/p>\n
A senior member of the ruling Indonesian Democratic Party of
\nStruggle (PDI Perjuangan) warned student protesters as well as a
\nJakarta-based newspaper not to criticize his party.<\/p>\n
Jacob Nuwa Wea, who is also the country's manpower and
\ntransmigration minister, said that Rakyat Merdeka (Free People)
\nnewspaper and the students had been criticizing the party \"too
\nmuch\".<\/p>\n
\"Rakyat Merdeka, I warn you not to write (articles) that abuse
\nPDI Perjuangan. If they insist on insulting PDI Perjuangan
\nleaders, they will have to 'face' thousands of PDI Perjuangan
\nsupporters,\" he told a large group of PDI Perjuangan supporters
\nduring a party gathering in Central Jakarta on Sunday.<\/p>\n
Jacob also threatened the freedom of expression of the
\nstudents who have demanded that President Megawati Soekarnoputri,
\nthe party's leader, step down.<\/p>\n
\"Some of them have stepped on her pictures. They've gone too
\nfar. If they keep on doing it, they will have to 'face' PDI
\nPerjuangan supporters. I warn you, students, don't repeat your
\nactions,\" he said.<\/p>\n
Two editors of Rakyat Merdeka have been summoned by the police
\nfor their article, which allegedly insults the president.<\/p>\n
The newspapers offers tabloid-style journalism. Its articles
\nand caricatures often criticize politicians from a variety of
\nparties.<\/p>\n
Under Megawati's administration, at least five students have
\nbeen jailed on charges of defaming the president by stepping on
\nher \"pretty\" picture or painting an X over presidential photos.<\/p>\n
Speaking in Kuala Lumpur, President Megawati described anti-
\ngovernment rallies as \"interesting scenery\", but underlined that
\nthe government would be firm in dealing with destructive
\ndemonstrations.<\/p>\n
\"Most of the rallies in the capital are held in front of the
\npresidential palace, and I find them very interesting. It's fine
\nfor me as long as they proceed peacefully,\" Megawati told a
\ngathering of Indonesian nationals on Sunday evening.<\/p>\n
\"However, should they disturb public order and security, I
\nhave ordered the police to take them to the police station and
\nquestion them,\" the president remarked.<\/p>\n
She underlined that rallies were a part of the democratic
\nprocess, but they should not threaten security, as the Indonesian
\npeople must learn to deal with things in an orderly fashion.<\/p>\n
\"Security is one of my main considerations and as citizens,
\neverybody has the obligation to maintain peace,\" she remarked.<\/p>\n
Kusnanto Anggoro, a political analyst from the Centre for
\nStrategic and International Studies (CSIS), criticized both,
\nespecially Jacob who maintained a physical threat against the
\npress even while legal proceedings were still underway.<\/p>\n
\"As a minister, I think Jacob Nuwa Wea should set a good
\nexample for the people, not threatening the press with the masses
\n(party supporters). It is an out-of-date way of doing things,\"
\nKusnanto told The Jakarta Post on Sunday.<\/p>\n
He advised PDI Perjuangan and Jacob to use the proper channels
\nin responding to a media report, such as using their right to
\nrebut, reporting the media to the Press Council, or taking legal
\naction.<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, Haris Rusli, chairman of the Democratic People's
\nParty (PRD) -- which often sends its supporters to the streets
\ndemanding Megawati to step down -- was unruffled by Jacob's
\nthreat.<\/p>\n
Instead, he said such a threat could even strengthen the
\nefforts of anti-government leaders grouped in the National
\nCoalition to unseat Megawati.<\/p>\n
PRD is one of around 50 members that make up the National
\nCoalition.<\/p>\n
\"The students and anti-Mega groups will continue to up the
\npressure through various means, including demonstrations. We do
\nnot take the threat seriously. Our movement emerged as a response
\nto her bad government,\" he said.<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/pdi-p-leader-threatens-press-students-1447893297",
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
"sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
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