Government overreaction
From Neraca
The Alliance of Independent Journalists (AJI) reproaches the government for its hypersensitivity and overreaction in responding to a statement made by Prof Dr. Jeffrey Winters.
President Habibie's statement that Jeffrey Winters should be subjected to legal action and an entry ban for insulting the Indonesian government has once again shown the low credibility of Habibie's administration. Not only has this transitional government shown their lack of seriousness in eradicating practices of collusion, corruption and nepotism (KKN), but it has also consciously adopted the Soeharto regime's styles of intimidation to suppress opinions.
AJI holds that the criminal allegation addressed to Jeffrey Winters and the entry ban slapped on him constitute an improper precedent embarrassing to the Indonesian people. What the government is doing now is reminiscent of similar measures taken by the Soeharto regime against foreign experts and journalists attempting to reveal the facts of corruption and collusion in Indonesia, such as the 1985 case of David Jenkins.
As set forth in Article 28 of the 1945 Constitution, freedom of speech is accorded an honorable place in the constitution. Statements, allegations and condemnations addressed to high- ranking government officials must be responded to by proving that these statements, allegations and condemnations are not true and not by slapping an entry ban on, detaining or imprisoning those making the statements, allegations and condemnations. This is in conformity with the principle of public accountability as the manifestation of people's sovereignty.
As an organization highly concerned with the freedom of the press and the freedom of speech, AJI strongly criticizes what government officials have said and done against Winters because their statements and actions contradict the principles of the freedom of speech and academic freedom. AJI therefore ask government officials to retract their improper statements and undo their undue actions against Winters.
It is only proper for Ginandjar Kartasasmita to prove that he is not involved in any practice of KKN, both in connection with PT Freeport and in his capacity as a minister in Soeharto's regime and Habibie's administration. It is only fitting, therefore, that the prosecution office and other law enforcement elements should probe the alleged practice of KKN by Ginandjar Kartasasmita.
LUKAS LUWARSO
and DADANG
AJI chairman and secretary
Jakarta