Attack on E. Timor newsman condemned

Attack on E. Timor newsman condemned

JAKARTA (JP): Last week's assault on a journalist and the
office of the only East Timor newspaper by members of a youth
organization has triggered strong reactions from officials and
the local bishop.

The attack was carried out by eight youths from Pemuda
Pancasila on Dec. 7. They charged that Suara Timor Timur (STT)
ran a story that damaged the reputation of Ahmad Alkatiri, the
chairman of the organization's local chapter.

Minister of Information Harmoko, East Timor governor Abilio
Jose Osorio Soares and Bishop Carlos Filipe Ximenes Belo deplored
the incident and called for legal actions against the vandals.

In the Monday's hearing with the House of Representatives
(DPR), Harmoko urged the authorities to take prompt, tough action
against those who took law into their own hands.

"I deeply regret the incident and hope for quick actions
against the attackers," he said.

The incident happened when Alkatiri's messengers vandalized
STT's newsroom, smashing telephones, TV sets, radios, tape
recorders and window panes.

They also kidnapped journalist Jacobus Herin for reporting on
the attempted murder of Alkatiri by an unknown gang, apparently
committed over a land dispute. Herin was reportedly beaten up at
Alkatiri's house.

The disputed story was distorted by both Alkatiri, the police
and witnesses' versions of the conflict.

STT deputy chief editor Yohanes Agus Ismunarno said in a Dec.
10 letter to the Indonesian Journalists Association (PWI) in
Jakarta that the local authorities had done nothing to the
vandals.

"They roam around as free men like they are beyond the reach
of the long arm of the law," he said in the letter.

Up to yesterday, the authorities had done nothing to the
alleged attackers, though several STT journalists had been
questioned, an anonymous source from East Timor told The Jakarta
Post.

In yesterday's issue, STT quoted local police chief Col.
Andreas Sugianto as saying that the Alkatiri admitted ordering
the attack.

Alkatiri, according to STT, has verbally apologized to the
newspaper, saying that the action was carried out because he
could not control his anger.

Chairman of the Pemuda Pancasila central executive Board in
Jakarta, Yapto Suryosumarno, was not available for comment
yesterday.

Governor Abilio condemned the recklessness and warned that
such violent acts would lead to anarchy unless the authorities
took the necessary legal actions against those involved.

"Every citizen has the right to sue any journalist they
believe has smeared their good name; but not kidnap and beat them
at their home," he said when meeting with STT journalists who
briefed him on the incident.

Bishop Belo said the action only tarnished the image of the
youth organization.

"It's ironic because the brutality was committed by
individuals who claim to be believers in Pancasila (the state
ideology) which encourages good conduct," he said.

STT journalists have considered a peaceful strike if the local
authorities fail to give them assurance of safety.

Starting on Feb. 1, 1993, STT was the only local newspaper in
the youngest province. Its circulation fluctuates between 3,500
and 5,000 copies. The media is partly owned by the Provincial
government.(pan)