Jackets for reporters

JAKARTA (JP): The Association of Indonesian Journalists (PWI) plans to distribute jackets or vests to reporters to help the public and security forces distinguish them in a crowd.

PWI Chairman Sofyan Lubis was quoted by Antara as saying that this was necessary after an incident in July when a journalist was beaten by security forces who mistook him for a rioter.

The jacket or vest will be issued to all its members, he said, adding that this is expected to help keep journalists safe.

A photographer for Ummat magazine in Jakarta had to be treated in hospital after he was beaten up by security forces while covering the July 27 riot in Central Jakarta. His pleas that he was a reporter were ignored, although he showed them his press card, he said later.

The Armed Forces have apologized for the incident.

Sofyan said the jackets will be available within this year but warned journalists against abusing the jackets. (emb)