Indointernet: E-Mail blocked?

Indointernet: E-Mail blocked?

Since Aug. 7, subscribers to "Indointernet" in Rawamangun,
Jakarta, cannot write nor receive e-mail. Every time you log in,
an announcement will appear on your screen: "We apologize that
our e-mail service is temporarily unavailable. We are sorry for
any inconveniences caused."

No explanation is given why, or until when it will last. No
prior notice either. I have a hunch that something suspicious is
taking place. Given the current political situation in Jakarta,
and the absence of legal protection for netters, is it too
farfetched to think what I think?

Any internet expert is welcome to explain whether it is
possible to spy on your e-mail by forcing the "sysop" to open
your password and/or block your e-mail service.

Name and address

known to editor

;JP;WYS;
ANPAk..r..
Letter-Olympics-closing
Marathon and closing ceremony
JP/4/letter2

Marathon and closing ceremony

Among the surprising features characterizing the closing
ceremony of Atlanta Olympics on Aug. 5, 1996, was the medals
ceremony for the Marathon winners: gold to Josia Thugwane of
South Africa, silver to Lee Bong-Ju of South Korea and bronze to
Eric Wainane of Kenya.

The deliberate choice of the marathon to highlight the event
is especially meaningful, as this sport is an endurance contest,
and originates from the feat of the Greek runner who ran from
Marathon to Athens to announce the victory of the Athenians in a
war in Greece in 490 BC.

This image of perseverance was emphasized by the song The
Dream of Peace. We feel that a close correlation between the two
events exists, as far as their spirit and vision are concerned.

That endurance is needed for peace is well demonstrated by the
history of apartheid in South Africa.

Perhaps it was not just a coincidence that a South African,
Josia Thugwane, won the gold medal in the Atlanta marathon.

Another interesting point is that looking at the medals tally,
we may conclude that the riches of an economically advanced
country do not necessarily bring medals.

There were 97 countries in the Atlanta Olympics, but only 78
countries won medals, meaning that a majority of countries have
still a long, long way to go in their efforts to gain a place
among the Olympic medal winners in Sydney and thereafter.

Finally, William Payne, President of the Atlanta Olympics
Committee, deserves praise for the delivery of just a simple
short speech, thanking the International Olympics Committee for
choosing Atlanta to host the Centennial Olympics, fulfilling the
dreams of the people and children of Atlanta.

SAM SUHAEDI

Jakarta

;JP;WYS;
ANPAk..r..
Letter-media-bias-debate
Balanced reporting
JP/4/letter3

Balanced reporting

This is in response to John Hargreaves' July 24 letter.

Hargreaves misinterprets my previous letters as "not approving
of western journalists." Let me state that I have the highest
respect for all journalists who practice accuracy, balance and
completeness. Also, I will not continue the air show discussion,
not due to an inability to reply but because of my promise to end
it.

That leaves the rest of his letter, namely his laudatory
comments about the Australian-born, UK-based journalist John
Pilger. Despite Pilger's relative fame (he is largely unknown in
North America), I do not rate him worthy of much praise.

Pilger's sensational and tendentious reporting style has been
criticized by his own journalistic peers. In response, Pilger has
been known to issue legal writs on those parties questioning his
reportorial abilities -- which I think is a reflection of the
man's prickly character and sheer conceit.

John Pilger once wrote a story on 200,000 being sold into
child slavery in Thailand. When his report was discredited by
others, Pilger angrily sent off a reply to various news agencies,
publications, and television stations. The man's need for
publicity and wide press exposure was clear in his actions. No
less than Derek Davies, the former editor of Far Eastern Economic
Review -- a journalist regularly granted interviews by top
political figures -- wrote that Pilger did not show (any) degree
of fairness to Thailand. He also pointed out that Pilger, in a
subsequent article, used the word (paid) "laborers" instead,
indicating an earlier exaggeration and a shift of ground.
Journalists use words to inform accurately, and that was clear
journalistic distortion.

Davies wrote further that Pilger's work "illustrated the
thoughtless harm that can be done by media in the West which
publish inadequately researched articles on the Third World".
Pilger liked to boast that his style was "risk journalism -- the
very best kind," but it has been commented by others that Pilger
was often "overblown and spiteful".

I have read Pilger's book, Distant Voices, including his
chapter on East Timor. Despite the promotional blurb on the black
cover, readers should realize that the book is the work of one
man with an axe to grind, not holy writ. The whole tone of the
book is accusatory and attention-grabbing, not balanced
journalism. On East Timor, Pilger makes no attempt, like a good
journalist would, to present any positive side of the province's
integration into Indonesia.

John Pilger may be expressing his right to free speech
whenever he engages in his journalistic vendettas, but some media
people -- not to mention governments -- have criticized him
harshly. Pilger tends to think in black-and-white terms on very
complex issues, including this diverse nation and society called
Indonesia.

Finally, unlike Mr. Hargreaves, I do not believe that John
Pilger truly cares about "the sufferings of Indonesian citizens".
The man does not really know this country. What Pilger really
cares about, first and foremost, is journalistic glory. He has
many detractors in the world, who do not quite put him on such a
lofty pedestal.

FARID BASKORO

Jakarta

;JP;WYS;
ANPAk..r..
Letter-Olympics-Indonesia
Indonesia's triumph
JP/4/letter4

Indonesia's triumph

I refer to the letters dealing with Atlanta 96. Although I
join the chorus of praise for the performances of all athletes, I
believe there is something equally important: the Indonesian
"triumph."

At the first sight the word could appear inadequate for the
one gold medal won by Indonesia, but if you look at things from a
particular point of view, the word "triumph" is reasonable.

The victory of only one gold medal can be considered by some
countries as manna from heaven or as unhoped-for booty. It's not
the case of Indonesia being penalized by the badminton results.
On the other hand, Indonesia has obtained a great victory in a
field that could have positive repercussions in the future.

Having sent its own correspondents to Atlanta, Indonesian
networks have reached a very important result: the awareness of
being more than able to manage sports services by themselves,
with excellent results.

PIERO RONCI

Jakarta

;JP;WYS;
ANPAk..r..
Letter-complaints-replies
Makro could learn from S'pore Airlines
JP/4/letter5

Makro could learn from S'pore Airlines

Your Aug. 3 edition published replies from two companies which
had letters directed to them. I could not help but notice the
difference between the two replies.

Singapore Airlines referred to the letter as a "comment" while
Makro treated it as a "complaint".

Singapore Airlines took the time to show appreciation and
assure that all feedback is taken seriously. Makro on the other
hand categorically denied responsibility and put the blame on the
customer.

No wonder Singapore Airlines is the world's number one
airline.

Name and address

known to editor

;JP;WYS;
ANPAk..r..
Letter-Garuda-apology
Garuda responds
JP/4/Letter6

Garuda responds

In regard to the letter entitled Garuda delays in The Jakarta
Post of July 30, 1996, I would like to thank Mr. Robert Wood for
taking the time to let us know of his recent experiences with
Garuda Indonesia.

I am very sorry to year that you were not getting a proper
explanation and apology from our ground staff as well as our crew
on several of your delayed flights. We are always interested in
hearing from our customers but regret that it was the type of
occurrence that prompted your letter.

I want you to know that Garuda Indonesia is very much
concerned with its customers, and I am pleased to let you know
that part of our customer satisfaction improvement programs,
right now Garuda Indonesia is seriously and keenly implementing
"on time performance" program to boost its flight punctuality.

To assure a positive result, the President of Garuda
Indonesia, Mr. Soepandi, has been directly and deeply involved,
among others, by giving specific directions and regularly
observes the progress of the project.

Please accept our apology and thank you for alerting us to the
problems and for being so understanding.

ARIF HARTANTO

VP Business Relations

PT Garuda Indonesia

Jakarta