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.