The role of the media<\/p>\n
I consider the verdicts against the Koran Tempo daily and
\nTempo magazine as slaps in the face of justice and democracy.
\nThese verdicts prove once more that many state officials,
\npoliticians and business tycoons cannot -- or for whatever
\nreasons, don't want to -- understand the role of the media in a
\ndemocratic nation.<\/p>\n
The media is guardian of a country's constitution and its
\ndemocratic system. This means that the media is independent of
\nthe state and its institutions, as well as of political parties.
\nTempo fully understood and accepted this role and acted
\naccordingly.<\/p>\n
I am convinced that many rotten eggs in Indonesia would not
\nhave been discovered, many corrupt maneuvers would not have been
\ndetected and many taboos would not have been discussed in public
\nwithout publications like Tempo.<\/p>\n
It is only through the free press that public opinion can
\nreach those with power; and it is through the press that public
\nopinion can act as public conscience. Giving voice to public
\nopinion is the real democratic function of the press -- if
\ndemocracy is supposed to have meaning at all.<\/p>\n
Looking at the role the press in Indonesia has played in
\nrecent years, it is only fair to say that most newspapers have
\nrealized and fulfilled their tasks in a responsible manner. It is
\ntherefore most alarming that nowadays, powerful people are trying
\nto undermine the freedom of the press at any cost in order to
\nsafeguard their own interests.<\/p>\n
I miss the outcry of human rights activists and NGOs. Are they
\nnot worried that a muzzled press might no longer be in a position
\nto report on human rights abuses?<\/p>\n
If the press is muzzled, then who will defend the weak against
\nthe powerful, who will stand up for the freedom of the individual
\nagainst the superior strength of the state and powerful business
\ntycoons?<\/p>\n
HILDE MAY
\nJakarta<\/p>",
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
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