Military Police officers attack reporter in Makassar

MAKASSAR, South Sulawesi (JP): Around 70 journalists in Makassar marched to the headquarters of the Wirabuana Military Command on Monday to protest Sunday's attack on one of their colleagues.

According to information gathered by The Jakarta Post, two Military Police officers, identified as Capt. Marpaung and Lt. Edward, assaulted Tahar, a reporter with the Harian Berita Kota. The attack allegedly occurred after Tahar had taken photographs of the pair quarreling with Panakukang Police chief Sr. Insp. Mardjuki at the latter's office.

The heated quarrel between the Military Police officers and Mardjuki reportedly began after the latter reprimanded David, the owner of Kawanua Mas karaoke hall, for violating regulations on operating hours.

According to its permit, the karaoke hall is allowed to operate until 2 a.m., while Mardjuki found the establishment still open at 3 a.m.

Marpaung and Edward, who were in the karaoke hall at the time Mardjuki issued his warning, confronted the police officer. "I'll accompany David to the police station," Tahar quoted Marpaung as saying.

Tahar said he had been covering a murder in the area when he spotted Mardjuki heading to the karaoke hall and followed the officer.

A heated quarrel between Mardjuki and the two Military Police officers broke out in Mardjuki's office before seven other members of the Military Police arrived at the police station, Tahar said. "I took their pictures when Marpaung and Edward were calling in reinforcements. They became angry and began to beat me.

"Mardjuki told them to stop, saying they were beating a reporter. However, this did not calm them down. I cannot accept the beating. They should have acted more civilized," Tahar said.

Members of the Alliance of Independent Journalist (AJI) and the Makassar branch of the Joint Forum (Forbes) joined the protest.

Munjin Ansharay, managing editor of Berita Kota, asked Wirabuana Military Commander Maj. Gen. Ahmad Yahya to investigate the matter and take stiff measures against the officers if they were found guilty.

The coordinator of AJI's labor union, Suparno, condemned the "barbaric" act, saying the officers had violated Article 40 of the journalism law by preventing a journalist from carrying out his job.

"They could face a two-year jail term and a Rp 500 million fine," Suparno said.

The chairman of Forbers, Zaenal Dalle, said if the officers were upset about having their pictures taken they should have filed a complaint or taken some other legal measure.

Ahmad Yahya met with the protesters and said Marpaung and Edward were being detained.

The secretary-general of the South Sulawesi chapter of AJI, Jupriadi, pledged "to keep fighting".

"We'll see if the two are being detained. We will take action if Yahya's statement was only lip service." (27/sur)