Journalists warn of bogus press

TANGERANG: A group of journalists warned government officials and businessmen on Monday to turn down legislative election campaign coverage proposals made by people claiming to be journalists who ask for money in return.

"Real journalists, both print and electronic media, never ask for money to fulfill our task of covering the election campaign," said Syafril Elain, a journalist and also deputy chairman of the Tangerang Election Supervisory Committee (Panwaslu).

Officials and businessman have complained that many people claiming to be journalists have approached them and asked for money in the last few weeks.

"Every time there is a meeting here, many people posing as journalists ask for money. Therefore, we have decided to avoid meeting with the press," said Tangerang General Elections Commission (KPUD) chairman Jamaludin.

As a consequence, he added, real journalists have had problems gathering information from the KPUD. -- JP