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.