Media blackout threatens National Games

The South Sumatra press association has threatened to boycott the 2004 National Games in the provincial capital of Palembang following speculation that the event organizers would name state news agency Antara as the official media group to promote the quadrennial sporting event.

Chairman of South Sumatra's chapter of the Indonesian Journalist Association (PWI) Reform, MD. Asnadi, said the press organization feared the news agency would impose monopolistic restrictions if it were awarded the privilege.

"We will oppose the plan because Antara is not the only agency that has the right to promote the games. There must be a consortium of credible and accredited media organizations playing promotional roles," Asnadi said.

He said PWI Reform was not the only media association that would consider boycotting the games if organizers failed to heed the objection.

Games organizing committee official in charge of promotional affairs Faisal Perdana said Antara had offered an Rp 8 billion (US$769,230) deal that required the news agency to promote the province and provide news coverage before, during and after the event.

"We are still studying the proposal thoroughly and no decision has yet been made about whether we will accept it or turn it down," Perdana said. "To be honest, we don't have enough money for promotional affairs."

The proposal was presented by an Antara team headed by Riyanto DW before provincial officials and games organizing committee officials.

One of the news agency team members, Zulheri Abdullah, said the promotional package would help the province boost investment and tourism in addition to the games coverage.

"That is why we priced the proposal quite high. But we can make it more flexible", Zulheri said.

He said that his team had held talks with provincial officials and games organizers three times. --JP