'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