Journalists award Governor Surjadi

JAKARTA (JP): The state-acknowledged Indonesian Journalists' Association's (PWI Jaya) Jakarta branch awarded yesterday medals of merit to Governor Surjadi Soedirdja and South Jakarta Mayor Pardjoko.

The medal was given to Surjadi, 58, for his appreciation of the media's strategic position, PWI Jaya chairman Tarman Azam said at the ceremony.

Surjadi was praised for being open to criticism.

He said Pardjoko got the medal for his support, appreciation, and contribution to the media and the city's development.

"The 55-year old mayor is known for his success in getting his mayoralty to win many awards, especially in sports tournaments," Tarman said.

Tarman said the medals were the first awarded to officials for contributions to the media's development.

The association plans to confer such medals on officials annually, he said.

In his address Surjadi said the press was very powerful in shaping public opinion. "Therefore, the press must be accurate, fair and objective in reporting." (ste)