House questions Tomy, press freedom

House questions Tomy, press freedom

Kurniawan Hari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

Members of the House of Representatives (DPR) took advantage of a
hearing on the recent attack on Tempo news magazine to scrutinize
Tomy Winata's alleged illegal business ventures and his
connection to the Indonesian Military (TNI).

The House Commission I for media, information and defense
affairs could not confirm Tomy's role in the attack but condemned
the thuggery, saying that it could become a serious threat to the
freedom of the press.

"Commission I condemns any violence against the press. We urge
the authorities to pursue the case," said commission chairman
Ibrahim Ambong summarizing the 4-hour hearing.

Present at the hearing included Tempo chief editor Bambang
Harymurti, the magazine's lawyer Todung Mulya Lubis, Tomy's
lawyer Desmon Mahesa, Press Council secretary R.H. Siregar, and
dozens of pro-democracy activists.

The hearing, held less than two weeks after Tomy's supporters
attacked Tempo's office, drew public attention. All seats in the
meeting room and balcony were taken.

Dozens of legislators put forth various questions, ranging
from Tomy's alleged involvement in the attack, his business
interests, and his alleged partnership with security officials.

Several legislators used the forum to complain of their "bad
experience" with the press. Some others even questioned the
benefits of press freedom.

Zoelvan Lindan of President Megawati Soekarnoputri's
Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan) said he
hoped that Tempo would learn from the experience to be more
objective.

Zoelvan said the magazine had published a libelous article
implying that he owned an apartment in California and a luxury
car.

Veteran lawmaker Aisyah Aminy of the United Development Party
(PPP) added that the privilege given to any persons to clarify
any false reports in the media had been ineffective.

"Clarification from victims of false reports can't repair the
damage," Aisyah said.

Some legislators also sought to clarify suggestions that Tomy
had played a pivotal role in helping Governor Sutiyoso to retain
his position. Tomy denied all allegations.

During the hearing, Tomy reiterated his denial over a report
in Tempo that he had proposed to renovate the Tanah Abang Market,
before the retail market was gutted by fire.

Responding to speculations that he also ran illegal businesses
in gambling, drugs and trade in sand, and that he had armed
bodyguards, Tomy said that all were untrue.

He denied the allegation that he also traded in drugs, but
admitted that he had opened a rehabilitation center for drug
addicts in Pulau Seribu, North Jakarta.

Tomy did, however, acknowledge that he had connections with
commanders and former commanders of the Indonesian military (TNI)
and the National Police.

"If there are security guards, they are retired officials and
are part of (my helping them in) employment. Retired military and
police officials are all skilled. It will be a problem if they
work under unclear conditions," Tomy said.

Although House members did not focus their questions on the
attack on Tempo, they all agreed that the incident should be
brought to court.

They said the legal process would help the public to
understand law enforcement. They also urged the Press Council to
be more active in handling media disputes.

Separately, student activists grouped in the Association of
Anti-Thuggery Society (PMAP) staged a rally in support of press
freedom.

They unveiled some banners, one of which read "Mega: Arrest TW
or Resign", urging President Megawati to arrest Tomy Winata or
quit her post.

Dony Mushindra, coordinator of the rally, said his group
demanded authorities to launch an investigation into the violence
on Tempo.

Meanwhile, the Islam Defenders Front (FPI) urged National
Police Chief Gen. Da'i Bachtiar to dismiss Jakarta Police Chief
Makbul Padmanegara and to detain Tomy Winata.

In a statement signed by FPI chairman Habib Rizieq Shihab, the
organization demanded that the police must wash itself of all
activities related to gambling.