The controversial verdict<\/p>\n
Tomy Winata in a libel suit case against senior journalist
\nGoenawan Mohamad. In Monday's session the panel of judges ordered
\nGoenawan to run an apology on the front pages of Koran Tempo and
\nKompas dailies for two consecutive days.<\/p>\n
According to the court, Goenawan was guilty of making the
\nstatement - as quoted by Koran Tempo - that the country should
\nnot fall into the hands of thugs, and Tomy Winata.<\/p>\n
The court verdict is an obvious effort to eliminate freedom of
\nexpression and freedom of the press.<\/p>\n
What's wrong with Goenawan's concern over the possible
\ndomination of thugs or Tomy Winata in the country. What's wrong
\nwith the media reporting on a public figure's concern about the
\nfuture of his country?<\/p>\n
According to Law No. 40\/1999 on the press, journalists are
\nsupposed to promote social control by, among other things,
\nsupervision and criticism for the sake of public interests.<\/p>\n
That does not mean that the press can do anything at will. The
\nPress Law clearly limits the power of the press. The law also
\nsays that the Press Council is the only institution authorized to
\njudge journalistic jobs. Therefore, the court's order to Goenawan
\nto run an apology in two dailies should have come from the Press
\nCouncil.<\/p>\n
It was unfortunate that the East Jakarta District Court has
\ndenied the Press Law and the roles of the Press Council. The
\nresult is the denial of press freedom and the people's right to
\ninformation. --Koran Tempo, Jakarta<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/the-controversial-verdict-1447893297",
"image": ""
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
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