Legislator's job

Legislator's job

From Bisnis Indonesia

I take offense with Minister of Finance Mar'ie Muhammad's
emotional "appeal" at the House of Representatives asking
journalists to write and report more responsibly. His attitude is
shameful and proves that he is incapable of exercising self-
control.

I deny ever having said that the Minister of Finance
explicitly threatened the press. However, any government "appeal"
or piece of advice is usually intended to prevent society from
doing something. Essentially, government advice can be
interpreted as a warning.

This is evident from the way the government officials act
toward the press: the revocation of magazines, the making of off-
the-record statements, banning the publication of news reports,
and authorities issuing warnings not to release news reports.

Such obstacles to the press are an attempt by the government
to deny press freedom. This also means a denial of openness and
is contrary to democracy.

Law is above everything. So, if the press violates the law,
let them face the law and not the powers that be.

What I have been trying to achieve during my time as a
legislator in this government is in line with my task and
function as a people's representative. Therefore, the Minister
needs not have responded to my statement with such antipathy.

SRI-BINTANG PAMUNGKAS

Legislator

Jakarta