Megawati criticizes media

JAKARTA: President Megawati Soekarnoputri accused on Friday some media of misusing their newfound freedom to disseminate "disproportionate and unbalanced" reports.

In a meeting with executives from the Press Board, the President mentioned several media organizations that she said had often twisted the truth, board chairman Atmakusumah announced to journalists.

The board suggested that the President and any member of the public take to court any publication that blemishes their names.

The President also asked the media to help create an atmosphere conducive to the resolution of various regional conflicts.

Another suggestion put forward by the board was for the President to appoint a spokesperson to minimize misinterpretation of her statements.--JP