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)