Yunus extolls benefits of easing press limits<\/p>\n
JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Information Muhammad Yunus said he
\nhas signed 90 new publication permits since taking office in May.<\/p>\n
Speaking at a ceremony to mark the ministry's 53rd anniversary
\nhere yesterday, Yunus reiterated his belief that he could improve
\nthe quality of the national press by endorsing more press
\npublications.<\/p>\n
"The more companies running in the press business, the more
\ncompetitive they will become and that will improve their
\nquality," Yunus, who is an active army lieutenant general, said.<\/p>\n
Last week he even gave the green light for two foreign
\nnewspapers -- the International Herald Tribune and The Asian Wall
\nStreet Journal -- to begin printing in the country.<\/p>\n
The public will get a better choice and sensationalistic
\npublications will be left behind, Yunus argued.<\/p>\n
It was this sincere belief which led him to simplify the
\nprocedure of applying for publication permits by introducing
\nregulation No. 01\/1998 on June 5.<\/p>\n
It replaced a 1984 regulation which the media had long held to
\nbe repressive and an obstacle to press freedom.<\/p>\n
The earlier regulation, issued by then minister of information
\nHarmoko, was used to justify the banning of several press
\npublications.<\/p>\n
At yesterday's ceremony, Yunus called on his subordinates in
\nthe ministry to improve their service to the public.<\/p>\n
He also took the occasion to remind the press not to abuse its
\nfreedom and said criminal charges would be brought against
\npublications who violated the new regulations.<\/p>\n
The government is currently preparing a draft mass media law
\nwhich will stipulate several types of offense that elements of
\nthe media could be charged with if perceived to be abusing their
\nnewfound freedom. (aan)<\/p>",
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
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