Megawati tries to ease tension with media

Megawati tries to ease tension with media

Rita A. Widiadana, The Jakarta Post, Denpasar, Bali

President Megawati Soekarnoputri made a reluctant step on
Sunday to open a new dialog with the local media, while at the
same time, defended her strong stance against what she described
as "biased, unbalanced and irresponsible" media reports.

Attending the National Press Day at the Art Center in
Denpasar, Bali, Megawati used the occasion to once again reproach
the local media, for continuously criticizing her unpopular
policies and her insensitivity.

"Local media have always accused me of being quick to anger
and too emotional in responding to recent news reports. I am not
angry at all -- not yet," the President chatted on stage before
delivering her speech.

In her speech, Megawati said that she respected the freedom of
the press and therefore, the media should also respect and defend
freedom.

"We, the government, feel very grateful and respectful of
press freedom. But now, it is the obligation of the press to
maintain and guard this freedom," asserted the President.

Nevertheless, she continued, in the era of press freedom, the
national media should be more professional and responsible.
Otherwise, they could cause national instability and
disintegration, she said.

"The responsibility of the national press lies in its
professionalism to protect and promote national unity," she said
in her written speech.

The President urged the National Press Council to optimize its
control system to keep the national media on track in accordance
to its own code of ethics.

She admitted that irresponsible media accounted for only a
small minority. Yet, their actions could harm the image of the
entire national media, she said.

Megawati's relationship with the media has been awkward ever
since she took over from her former superior, president
Abdurrahman Wahid.

She has lashed out at local media several times for their
critical reports on her silence or her ill-planned policies,
ranging from the government's handling of Indonesian migrant
workers expelled from Malaysia, to the unpopular policy of
raising utility charges and fuel prices simultaneously, which
sparked protests across the country.

State Minister of Communications and Information Syamsul
Mu'arif said that Megawati's attendance at the press gathering
would help ease the tension between the President and the media.

He also said that the government would be very willing to
bridge the communication gap between the media and the
government, especially the President.

"There are dozens of media associations, including printed and
electronic press associations. Which association should the
government and the president talk to?," the minister asked.