Agent holds 'Newsweek' circulation

Agent holds 'Newsweek' circulation

Tertiani ZB Simanjuntak, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

The distributor of Newsweek magazine here has held the
circulation of the Feb. 11 edition of the U.S.-based weekly that
includes an image of Prophet Mohammed in one of its articles.

PT Indoprom circulation head Dasino Santarto, told The Jakarta
Post on Saturday the decision was taken after consulting the
Indonesian Council of Ulemas (MUI) on Wednesday.

"We are afraid it will create a big problem if we circulate
the copies. It's kind of a self-censorship," Dasino said, adding
that the company had instead disseminated leaflets informing
subscribers of the delay.

The magazine, whose circulation reaches approximately 10,000
in the country, usually reaches its subscribers every Thursday. A
copy of the magazine costs Rp 12,500 (US$1.2).

The government of this predominantly Muslim country had
revoked the license of the weekly tabloid Monitor in October 1990
for defamation of Islam.

The authorities in Bangladesh, another predominately Muslim
country in Asia, have banned all copies of Newsweek.

Dasino said the company was also consulting the National Press
Council over whether the copies should go to readers after
censorship. "But the council has not responded yet," he added.

MUI deputy chairman Umar Shihab said the council had asked PT
Indoprom to hold the circulation of the Feb. 11 edition of
Newsweek, pending a thorough examination of its contents.

"We are not going to take any decision before analyzing what
is in the article," Umar Shihab said.

He said the MUI commission for research and development would
begin the examination on Tuesday, the result of which is expected
to be made public a week later.

He said he had not yet read the whole article that compares
the Bible and the Koran. It carries a photo-image of an angel, he
added.

"We have the authority to ban the edition if we find the
article insulting to Muslims. But it will be OK if it is written
purely for scientific purposes.

"Any legal action to be taken against the magazine or the
writer is in the hands of the government." Umar said.

In a related development, Deputy Attorney General for
intelligence affairs Basrief Arief told the Post he was not
familiar with the case but insisted that the magazine should be
brought to the clearing house.

The clearing house comprises his office, the Ministry of
Justice and Human Rights and other ministries and institutions
related to the issuance or circulation of print media.