Bogus journalists annoy City Hall staff

Bogus journalists annoy City Hall staff

Bambang Nurbianto and Marilin, The Jakarta Post
Jakarta/Depok

With Idul Fitri approaching, officials at the city halls in
Jakarta and Depok are having to deal with the annual arrival of
bogus journalists demanding a holiday bonus.

Ismail, who works at the protocol and public relations office
at Jakarta's City Hall, said the bogus journalists started to
arrive two weeks ago asking for money from officials in the
public relations, financial and economic bureaus.

"I have a headache because we don't even know these people,"
said City Hall spokesman Muhayat, who avoids the problem by
locking himself in his office.

Ismail said the fake journalists were not on his list of those
entitled to receive a holiday bonus.

Another staff member, Ati, said "it always happens prior to
Idul Fitri".

There is a similar problem facing officials in Depok.

"These people claiming to be journalists come to the public
relations bureau and they do not take no for an answer," said
Bambang Wahyudi, Depok City Hall spokesman.

"We rarely see them at City Hall. Some claim to be journalists
from publications that we don't even recognize. Some are not even
on our list."

The administrations in both cities distribute Idul Fitri
bonuses to journalists assigned to cover the City Hall. The money
for the bonuses is included in the city budgets in both Jakarta
and Depok.

Other institutions such as the police, ministries and city
council also distribute holiday bonuses either in the form of
cash or food.

Bambang said that Depok Mayor Badrul Kamal was confused about
how to solve this problem.

"We question the morality of the 'bogus journalists'. They
must understand that we are partners," he quoted the mayor as
saying.