AJI opens Udin Center

YOGYAKARTA: The Alliance of Independent Journalists (AJI) of Yogyakarta officially announced on Monday night the establishment of the Udin Center, named after murdered journalist Fuad Muhammad Syafruddin. It was established as an information referral center for Udin's case in particular and for violence against the media and journalists in general.

Speaking to The Jakarta Post on Tuesday, Yogyakarta AJI chairman Masduki said that information, data and analysis on the Udin's case were spread throughout numerous places and institutions, making it difficult to access them for either news or research needs.

"If nothing is done about it, they (information, data, and analysis on Udin's case) will be just destroyed and not recognized as important documents," said Masduki, explaining the reason behind the decision to set up the Udin Center.

Udin was beaten by unidentified persons on Aug. 13, 1996 and died three days later in Yogyakarta Bethesda Hospital without regaining consciousness. --JP