Journalists

Journalists

From Media Indonesia

Journalists have lately become objects of torture by
irresponsible persons. After Sukma (Jakarta), Udin (Yogyakarta)
and Djaffar (Saudi Arabia), it was Gaudensius Mau's turn to be
seriously tortured in Dili. It seems to me the journalistic
profession is full of risks nowadays.

It is true that all professions are not without risks.
Traders, bankers or doctors, for example, have to be prepared for
all sorts of violence that may befall them. The more so for
journalists, especially as the general election is only months
away. Reporters should take extra care in presenting news, keep a
neutral attitude and stick to objective reporting. Even being
objective can bring about charges that a reporter has undermined
a certain party that is in conflict with the other side.

There is a need for the journalists to present a balanced
report. It is often the case that a reporter tends to quote the
government official's statement only whenever a dispute exists
between members of the society and the government. This is not
fair, as far as I am concerned. Both sides should be equally
represented in the news.

The Indonesian Journalists Association should place greater
stress on the professionalism of its members, and not merely
support the government's actions against organizations under its
banner.

IAN KOSWARA

Bandung, West Java