Local media try to remain objective in Aceh coverage

Local media try to remain objective in Aceh coverage

Muninggar Sri Saraswati, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

Despite their stance on the integrity of the Unitary Republic of
Indonesia, local media have attempted to remain critical in
covering the government's ongoing integrated operation in Aceh.

Aris Hilman, the national desk editor of Jakarta-based
Republika, said that his newspaper supported the government's
stance that Aceh is a part of Indonesia.

"Despite having the same stance, we try to remain critical
about the integrated operation in Aceh," he said on Tuesday.

Republika has put a special logo on its Aceh coverage. The
logo has a map of Aceh and a red-and-white flag. The word "damai"
(peace) is written under the logo.

Kompas chief editor, Suryopratomo, and Sinar Harapan deputy
chief editor Kristanto Hartandi shared the same view.

"We understand the government's decision to launch the
operation in Aceh. But we must also be sure that the government
conducts the operation correctly," Suryopratomo said after a
meeting between Indonesian Military Chief Gen. Endriartono
Sutarto and chief editors of local media over the weekend.

With six journalists covering the conflict, Kompas, the
biggest daily in the country, focuses more on humanitarian
issues.

Kristanto said that Sinar Harapan as "a national newspaper",
which supported the territorial integrity of Indonesia, has also
focused its coverage on humanitarian issues and not "the war
itself".

"We have tried to practice peace journalism. We support
dialogue and diplomatic efforts to solve the Aceh conflict. Even
though the operation has already started, we still believe there
is a chance for peace," he said.

Kristanto admitted that Sinar Harapan is facing difficulties
in "covering both-sides" of the conflict in Aceh as it only has
two reporters in Banda Aceh and Lhokseumawe respectively.

Responding to the governments call to practice "patriotic
journalism", Kristanto replied, "Are we not patriotic if we
focuses more on humanitarian aspects?"

The government has asked local media to practice "patriotic
journalism" to win the hearts of the Acehnese. Aceh Military
Ruler Maj. Gen. Endang Suwarya has set up several restrictions
for media covering the military operation in Aceh, including
asking them not to quote GAM leaders.

Kristanto said that Sinar Harapan has tried its best not to
cover the Aceh conflict "the way some foreign media covered the
U.S.-led aggression in Iraq".

Aris agreed, saying that Republika always tried to present
balance reports, covering all conflicting parties in the restive
province.

Republika is deploying four journalists to Aceh to get access
from the military, GAM and civilians in a bid to provide fact-based
information to its readers.

Suryopratomo agreed, saying that Kompas has no problem with
the government's requests of the media.

"Basically, they want us to present accurate reports. We also
attempt to do so. It's a matter of perceptions," he said.