Mega raps media over 'biased' reporting on floods

The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

President Megawati Soekarnoputri criticized on Friday media reports on the recent flooding, saying that most media did not exercise objectiveness in covering the work of the city authorities.

"The media were bias in their reports as they were merely criticizing without exposing the work that had been done by the city authorities," Megawati was quoted as saying by Tarman Azzam, chairman of the Indonesian Journalist Association (PWI).

Tarman met with President Megawati on Friday to invite her to the National Press Day and PWI's 56th Anniversary celebration in Banjarmasin, South Kalimantan on Feb. 8.

Megawati did not cite the biased media reports.

The President also reminded the press to uphold the spirit of national integrity in their coverage by maintaining balanced reporting.

"Remain objective and avoid over criticizing," Megawati said.

Meanwhile, chairman of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan) faction at the House of Representatives (DPR) Roy B. Janis said the flood issue has been politicized by other party leaders to discredit Megawati's administration.

"There are certain efforts to pressure President Megawati Soekarnoputri's government by politicizing the massive floods," Roy said as quoted by Antara.

Roy blamed past regimes for the catastrophe, citing their failure to incorporate environmental studies in development projects.

Prior to Megawati's visit to flood victims in East Jakarta on Thursday, several political party leaders such as Amien Rais of the National Mandate Party (PAN) and Akbar Tandjung of Golkar also visited flood-affected areas to deliver humanitarian aid.

The government was criticized by several party leaders for not being prompt in addressing the massive flood problem.

So far, 17 people have died as a result of the floods while five persons are currently reported missing, presumed to be washed away in the floodwaters.

"It (slowness) is witnessed by the people and cannot be concealed," said deputy speaker of the House of Representatives Muhaimin Iskandar after Friday prayers at the Baiturrahman Mosque.