Journalists seek legal settlement

Journalists seek legal settlement

DENPASAR, Bali: A journalists association here on Sunday
supported one of its members' attempt to seek a legal settlement
over harassment by an official while on duty.

In his statement, chairman of the Denpasar-based Indonesian
Journalists Association (PWI) Djesna Winada expressed his regret
over a report that a journalist of Bali Aga tabloid, Ketut Rudia,
was hit in the chest by head of administrative affairs at the
local National Land Agency (BPN) Sudiatmika on Thursday. Ketut
was seeking to meet the head of the agency, Sudiartama.

Ketut reported the harassment to the police.

"He (Sudiatmika) said it was an friendly jab, but it was very
hard and hurt my chest. His face also showed that he was angry
with me," Ketut said.

The journalist said he believed that Sudiatmika punched him
because of his report on the requisition of state-owned land in
Pecatu by some local government officials, which was approved by
BPN officials here.

Following the report, the BPN officials, including Sudiatama,
were questioned by the police. (08)