Local NGOs deny discrediting government

Local NGOs deny discrediting government

JAKARTA (JP): The recent statement of a cabinet minister on
Indonesia's non-governmental organizations (NGOs) spreading lies
about the country abroad has irked some groups.

Two prominent NGOs, the Indonesian Legal Aid Foundation
(YLBHI) and the NGO Network for Forest Conservation in Indonesia
(SKEPHI), criticized State Minister of National Development
Planning Ginandjar Kartasasmita yesterday for his recent remark
that local NGOs have been disseminating false data on Indonesia
to foreigners.

In a press statement, YLBHI communication director Hendardi
said Ginandjar's statement was tantamount to "an unfair political
punishment" of local NGOs.

"This means that the government has punished the NGOs without
giving them a trial," Hendardi said. The foundation also demanded
that Ginandjar support his accusations with evidence.

"We take his statement to be a smear campaign against NGOs,"
Hendardi said.

SKEPHI spokesman S. Indro Tjahjono said Ginandjar's statement
should is cause for concern because it could create public
misunderstanding about the role of NGOs.

"NGOs are not here to interfere with government programs, much
less sabotage them," he said. "NGOs are alternative institutions
which are critical toward the government's policies, but which
also wish to become its partner."

On Wednesday Ginandjar accused certain unnamed local NGOs of
disseminating false data and of lobbying international funding
institutions to stop providing funds to Indonesia.

He said some NGO members had badmouthed the government's
family planning and transmigration programs during a recent talk
show in New York. The radio show proved that there are efforts
overseas to disseminate misinformation and disinformation about
Indonesia, he said.

Ginandjar went on to accuse NGOs of trying to destabilize the
country. "Criticism and sabotage are two different things ...
Preventing aid is sabotaging the country's development," he said.

He also said that, although overseas funding is temporary,
Indonesia still needs it at this stage of national development.

The House of Representatives later called on the government
"not to conceal the names of the NGOs spreading lies about
Indonesia abroad".

A.A. Oka Mahendra of the ruling Golkar faction said the
government "should transparently name the NGOs and take actions
against the naughty NGOs".

In a democratic country, such as Indonesia, he said, the
government needs both support and "constructive criticism".

"Plenty of NGOs have good ideas and actually contribute to
development," he said, as quoted by the Antara news agency.

Hamzah Haz of the United Development Party faction said that,
as long as the government is "open", it should not be prejudiced
against criticism.

Hari Sabarno of the Armed Forces faction said that, even if
they have good intentions, it is "unethical" for NGOs to
undermine the country's image abroad. (swe)