Government overreaction

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