Gus Dur urges 'Antara' news agency to remain independent

Gus Dur urges 'Antara' news agency to remain independent

JAKARTA (JP): Despite being recognized as a national news
agency, President Abdurrahman Wahid on Monday urged Antara to
remain independent and avoid being used as a tool for propagation
as it was in the past.

"This should not happen again. Antara should have freedom and
should defend the truth no matter what happens," Abdurrahman said
during the commemoration of the agency's 62nd anniversary.

Abdurrahman contended that while financially and
administratively Antara was linked to the government, the agency
actually belonged to the public and that was where its loyalty
should lie.

He asserted that professional independence should begin from
the top management down.

He even welcomed criticism made against him.

"If necessary it (Antara) should criticize me," he remarked.

Established on Dec. 13, 1937 by four prominent youth figures
-- Soemanang, Adam Malik, Pandu Kartawiguna and Albert Manoempak
Sipahoetar -- it was officially taken over by the government in
1962.

Throughout its history, Antara has played a major role in
recording Indonesia's development.

It was the only news agency which broadcast Indonesia's
independence despite having to first pass tight censorship by
then Japan news agency Yashima.

But the biggest talk on the sidelines of Monday's reception
was the likelihood of the replacement of Antara's chief editor
Parni Hadi.

While there has yet to be official confirmation, sources said
Parni would continue to serve as general manager but the job of
chief editor would be taken over by senior Kompas journalist
Budiarto Danujaya.

Parni, who is also general manager of the Republika daily and
has spent 25 years of his career at the news agency, was
installed by former president B.J. Habibie to head Antara in
1998.

Parni was known as a close associate and advisor to Habibie on
media affairs.(04)