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)