'D&R' case

'D&R' case

It is gratifying, indeed, to learn that the authorities have
indicated they have no intention of revoking the publication
license of the D&R weekly after its portrayal of the head of
state as a King of Spades.

Among the prevailing crises in the country, this stride
forward toward "genuine" press freedom, as part of universal
democratic rights, should be seen as a victory, although still in
the moral sense (the law governing the matter is unfortunately
still in force and theoretically can strike any time!).

In the past, a less-serious offense was promptly followed by
closing down the publication. It may be the government does not
want to see an increase in the number of unemployed people
following the monetary crisis and while the People's Consultative
Assembly is in session.

The situation is now such that Mr. Margiono, the weekly's
editor in chief is regarded by the authorities as personally and
singly responsible before the law accountable for his crime,
political, legal or journalistic.

However, in contrast with the unprecedented tolerant reaction
on the part of the power bearers by allowing the weekly to
continue publication, pending the outcome of court proceedings,
the reaction of the Indonesian Journalists Association (PWI) has
rather surprised, not to say disappointed, me.

I believe the PWI has been correct in warning the weekly that
it has violated the Journalist Code of Ethics but the honorary
board of the Press Council in suspending Margiono from his post,
instead of his PWI membership, should have waited until after a
verdict has been handed out by the court.

I further believe that a period of two years suspension for a
moral offense is too harsh a verdict. Do not forget, while the
government may see it as a criminal case, the military or the
police as political subversion, most journalists, like myself,
consider it a moral issue! A six months suspension from PWI
membership seems more appropriate. A replacement editor should be
installed by the weekly's owner without pressure from outside.

GANDHI SUKARDI

Jakarta