Biased reporting by the 'Post'

All praises to Allah subhanahu wata'ala, shalawat and greetings onto Rasullulah shallalahu 'alaihi wassalam, his family and friends and Muslims really following him until the end of time.

A news report published in The Jakarta Post of March 22, 2001 under the title of "Maluku leader dies of gunshot wounds" is indeed the cause of deep concern. It seems that the accuracy of the information published by this newspaper, which can be found in almost every foreign embassy, cannot be relied upon. Look at paragraph 10 of this particular news story, where it is said that Radio Gema Suara Maluku (Voice of Maluku) was broadcasting physical training exercises in Ambon. In reality, there is no such Radio Gema Suara Maluku." These physical training exercises are being broadcast by the Voice of Struggle of Maluku Muslims radio station.

Besides, the news story also quotes a statement by Col. I Gede Sudarta -- written as Sugiartha -- alleging that the radio station was illegal and was always provoking conflict. As a matter of fact, this radio station is the only electronic medium owned by Muslims in Ambon which counters the propaganda aired by the Christian media like the national radio station RRI and the national television station TVRI, both owned by the government but used in the interests of the Christians in Maluku.

Ustadz Ali Fauzi (an ulema in Ambon) and others do not call into question the existence of this radio station and have, in fact, given their support. All this time, this radio station has voiced the aspirations of Muslims in Maluku in a pure and realistic manner.

This is not the first time that the Post has carried news stories from Maluku that have tended to be biased against Muslims. It is always the comments made by Christian figures -- be they civilians or military -- that are published. Besides, the stories are highly speculative.

The following are news stories published by the Post which are biased against Moslems: 1. New synod chief elected (March 17). 2. Maluku residents don't need help from outsiders (March 16). 3. Maluku will remain part of RI: Leaders (March 15). 4. Groups of provocateurs identified in Maluku (March 12). 5. Soldiers of fortune (Jan. 8).

Let us state once again that The Jakarta Post rarely checks its stories with Muslims so the impression arises that this newspaper is not evenhanded. We suspect there is a hidden agenda behind the Post's reporting of the conflict in Maluku because the news stories tend to side with a certain group there.

Central Executive Board

Ahlus Sunnah Wal Jama'ah Communication Forum

TAHMID (Secretary)

HARDI IBNU HARUN (Head of Information Division)

Jakarta