Islamic media defy taboos on sensitive reporting

Islamic media defy taboos on sensitive reporting

By Ati Nurbaiti

JAKARTA (JP): "The war in Maluku is not one of social or
economic gaps, it is clearly among Christians and Muslims, and
what is happening is a genocide against Muslims."

"Targeted generals in the East Timor investigation are those
known to be good Muslims."

Such opinions have been aired in some Islamic-oriented media
while others are still struggling in the reporting of religious
conflicts, which are often either difficult to check or carry the
risk of inciting revenge. Or in the words of chief editor of
Sabili magazine, M. Zainal Muttaqin, such media organizations
perhaps "do not stand up for Islam."

In the reporting of current domestic conflicts, some in the
media still cautiously report a clash "among different groups"
while victims are from "certain faiths"; or that "a place of
worship" has been attacked.

Such organizations reflect the old taboos against reporting
ethnic, racial and religious differences while the Islamic press
seems less burdened by this. "But of course we're being careful
too," says Aru Syeif Assad of Media Dakwah.

Muslims respond differently to Islam-oriented media, such as
Media Dakwah magazine and the Republika daily. The style of
reporting is diverse and the "boldest" of them is currently most
popular. Readership of the bi-weekly Sabili, ranking in the top
five among magazines and above Tempo, according to a recent
survey, speaks for itself.

"This magazine doesn't cover up things," says one Sabili
subscriber.

However, Muhammad, an activist at Al-Azhar study center in
South Jakarta which is associated with Muslim "modernists", turns
his nose up in disagreement. Regarding the coverage on Maluku, he
says, "People could be pitted against each other while the
conflict may not really be one of religion."

"It's dangerous," says another.

The Alliance of Independent Journalists (AJI) issued a
statement last month reminding the media against "provocative"
reporting, but did not give names. Its secretary-general, Didik
Supriyanto, said, "it's not ethical to name any media. We just
need to remind our colleagues."

AJI's new media watch has yet to complete its study on
coverage of sensitive issues, he added.

In response to the view among the media and some observers
that readers are not necessarily influenced by what they read,
Didik said, "That's true but constant coverage, particularly by
the mass media, which is hardly balanced with the other side,
could by and by give suggestions to readers."

AJI advocates media freedom, including the once banned
coverage of racial, religious and ethnic differences -- "as long
as it is fair," Didik added.

A Maluku-born sociologist, Tamrin Amal Tomagola, told The
Jakarta Post earlier this month that although the media here
"isn't as bad as in Yugoslavia" regarding coverage of intergroup
conflicts, "I am most sad when I have already told a journalist
that I'm mostly in contact only with the Muslim side and then I'm
the only one quoted."

"Do I have to contact the Christian side and give their
version to the media?" he said of the coverage on the Maluku
situation.

Similar to AJI media expert Andi Muis also expressed concern
but said the condition of such reporting these days "will pass";
that many people seek more than one medium and that they will
become more educated so that the media will have to catch up.

Interviews by the Post with some involved in the Islamic media
said they strived for balanced, accurate reporting (also see
Monday's edition). All cited Islamic values, such as speaking the
truth or being "gentle."

The interviews also revealed a number of issues which are
sources of long-term resentment toward the government and non-
Muslim leaders. As long as these issues are considered unsettled,
they have been tirelessly channeled by the Islamic media,
regardless of debates on whether they represent a small or large
group.

"We are all for harmony, but not artificial harmony," Zainal,
the Sabili chief editor said.

The rector of Jakarta's Syarif Hidayatullah State Institute of
Islamic Studies, Azyumardi Azra, earlier told the Post that one
reason why there have been frequent failed attempts to end
religious conflict and tension is because religious leaders have,
despite their many meetings, been reluctant to address sensitive
issues within their respective communities.

It is such issues which no one will touch that have provided
the main stories in the media with religious leanings, in this
case the Islamic media.