Governor apologizes for press attack

Governor apologizes for press attack

JAYAPURA, Papua: Papua Governor Jaap Salossa apologized to the
media on Monday over an attack on a Metro TV reporter by one of
the governor's staff members, but did not say whether the
attacker would be punished.

The apology was offered to Frans Ohoiwutun, deputy chairman of
the Papuan branch of the Indonesian Journalists Association
(PWI), after a meeting with the governor.

The meeting was attended by local media correspondents and the
press organization's leadership at Salossa's office in Jayapura,
Papua.

"The governor will write to the Metro TV editor-in-chief in
Jakarta to ensure that the case is settled amicably," Ohoiwutun
said, adding that Salossa had visited the victim's home on Sunday
to apologize directly.

M.H. Imran, the Metro TV correspondent, was reportedly slapped
across the face earlier on Sunday by Papua protocol bureau head
Elly F. Aury after the victim interviewed the governor about the
famine in Yahukimo regency that has killed at least 55 people so
far.

Auri admitted the attack, saying he had been angered by the
"unethical behavior" displayed by Imran during the interview. The
case is being probed by local police. --Antara