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.