'Embedded journalism threatens independence'
'Embedded journalism threatens independence'
Kurniawan Hari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta
The objectivity and independence of media coverage on Aceh could
be threatened should journalists be embedded with Indonesian
troops after they launch a military operation in the troubled
province.
Media analysts demanded that the Indonesian press always seek
out the truth as its ultimate goal as this would benefit the
Acehnese people.
"Journalists must make use of the situation for the benefit of
the people," Press Council chairman Atmakusumah Astraatmadja told
The Jakarta Post here on Tuesday.
He said that journalists would not be able to maintain their
independence if they were traveling with a military unit.
However, such lack of objectivity and independence could be
rectified to some extent by increasing the amount of information
being reported from both sides.
Leo S. Batubara of the Indonesian Press and Broadcasting
Society (MPPI) and Ignatius Haryanto of the Institute for Press
and Development Studies (LSPP) concurred with Atmakusumah, saying
that the professionalism of journalists should be upheld to
maintain independence during war coverage.
The observers were commenting on the recent statement by
military spokesman Maj. Gen. Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin that the
military would "provide protection" for journalists on field
assignment in Aceh, including after the launch of a military
operation.
The military would also hold a media briefing everyday to
ensure field reporters gathered the news "transparently and
avoided unnecessary distortion of information".
Sjafrie stated that information would be supplied only to
those elements of the media that supported the Unitary Republic
of Indonesia.
The announcement by the military seemed reminiscent to many
observers of the embedding of journalists with military units
during the just concluded U.S.-led attack on Iraq, when the press
was criticized in some quarters for failing to produce balanced
reporting, and for lacking objectivity.
Despite warning of the dangers to journalistic independence,
Leo nevertheless hailed the openness of the military, adding that
it would curb the possibility of human rights abuses and give the
people more access to information.
Citing experiences in the past, he said that during the 30
years of the New Order regime, military operations in East Timor,
Irian Jaya and Aceh had always been closed to public scrutiny.
"It turned out later that there were numerous human rights
abuses committed during these operations," Leo said.
He added that the openness offered by the Indonesian military
should be supported as it might be able to prevent human rights
abuses during the operation.
Leo hoped that the embedding of journalists would encourage
Indonesian soldiers to attempt to win the hearts and minds of the
Aceh people, rather than only concentrating on defeating the
separatist rebel group.
Therefore, Leo suggested that the media assign only
experienced journalists to the field in Aceh as inexperienced
ones would end up just parroting the military line.
Haryanto meanwhile suggested that journalists emulate medical
workers in conflict zones, who take no sides but continue to do
their jobs professionally.