Judge Benjamin gets press award

Judge Benjamin gets press award

JAKARTA (JP): Judge Benjamin Mangkoedilaga won the 1996 Suardi
Tasrif award last week for his role in promoting the freedom of
the press.

Benjamin, known for his landmark ruling last year in favor of
Tempo magazine's lawsuit against a 1994 government ban, was given
the award during a modest ceremony at the Ismail Marzuki Arts
Center on Friday. Former journalist Satrio Arismunandar received
the award because Benjamin was out of town.

The jury was comprised of human rights activist Nursyahbani
Katjasungkana, consumer rights activist Zumrotin, senior
journalist Atmakusumah, and film director Garin Nugroho. The jury
decided on Benjamin because of his popular ruling.

Benjamin, then the presiding judge of the Jakarta State
Administrative Court, ruled that Minister of Information
Harmoko's revocation of the magazine's publishing license was
unconstitutional.

Calling Harmoko "authoritarian" because the minister issued
the ban without consulting the Press Council, Benjamin ordered
the minister to reissue the magazine's publishing license.
Harmoko then appealed to the Supreme Court. The court overturned
the ruling earlier this month. Benjamin now heads the Medan State
Administrative Court.

Atmakusumah praised Benjamin for striving to maintain public
trust in legal institutions.

"He showed that people who take legal action against the
government have a chance of winning," he said. "His ruling
soothed hearts and souls. This is just what our country needs."

Last year's award went to free press activists Ahmad Taufik,
Eko Maryadi and Tri Agus. The three are still in Cipinang prison
in Jakarta on charges of insulting President Soeharto.

Benjamin was born in West Java on Sept. 30, 1937. He graduated
from the University of Indonesia's School of Law in 1967.

The award ceremony capped a four-day commemoration of Tempo's
closure two years ago. The commemoration included discussions,
exhibitions and plays symbolizing the call for freedom of
expression. (06)