Press freedom to be curtailed?<\/p>\n
President Abdurrahman \"Gus Dur\" Wahid feels that the press no
\nlonger deserves its freedom and, in many respects, needs to be
\ncurtailed. Its coverage of presidential activities in particular
\nand those of the government in general are regarded as being
\ndisadvantageous to the interests of the government.<\/p>\n
The President has ordered the Minister of Justice and Human
\nRights to prepare more stringent measures against journalists and
\nnewspapers or magazines that do not reflect a favorable
\nimpression of the President or of his presidential staff. In many
\ncases the media's reports are biased and statements or facts have
\nbeen twisted and falsely colored to suit sensational purposes.
\nSuch is at least the assertion of the President.<\/p>\n
The government believes that it is now time for legal action
\nto be taken against the perpetrators, such as putting the
\njournalists behind bars and banning the publications.
\nUnderstandably, the journalists' associations have reacted
\nangrily to such threats now that the press has been enjoying the
\ngreatest freedom for some time. Banning newspapers and magazines
\nare not only considered by most journalists as undemocratic but
\nalso against the ideals of reform.<\/p>\n
A number of people contend that the media only reflects the
\nmood of the people which is now very critical of the President.
\nUnder threat by the People's Consultative Assembly, in the form
\nof impeachment within less than one month's time, the government
\nhas resorted to this unpopular measure to control the press.<\/p>\n
If Gus Dur is serious about curbing the press's freedom under
\nthe banner of democracy, with publications will be banned and
\njournalists arrested just because they are critical of the
\nPresident and his policies, the end really does seem near for
\nthis administration.<\/p>\n
The best policy for the government, and for the President for
\nthat matter, is to deny whatever unfavorable rumors are
\ncirculating and launch a counter attack through the many
\npresidential spokesmen and ministers.<\/p>\n
It is a naked truth that the reformist movement initiated by
\nthe students, which led to the fall of the dictatorial regime of
\nSoeharto, desired a democratic administration and to freely
\nbreath the air of press freedom.<\/p>\n
No political leader, including the military, would resort to
\nthe curtailing of press freedom unless they had lost their mind.
\nThe press must remain the partner of the government in imparting
\nreliable and balanced information to the general public. On the
\ncontrary, making the media hostile is tantamount to political
\nsuicide.<\/p>\n
GANDHI SUKARDI<\/p>\n
Jakarta<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/press-freedom-to-be-curtailed-1447893297", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }