Moerdiono slams journalists

JAKARTA (JP): Minister/State Secretary Moerdiono turned the table on journalists, chiding them for confusing their own opinions with facts.

"Many journalists can't differentiate facts from opinion," he said while addressing the celebration of the 59th anniversary of the state-owned news agency Antara.

"It's the journalists that usually criticize the government. Today, it's my turn. I want to criticize journalists," he said.

He cited how a local newspaper once quoted him but failed to catch the essence of his remarks and later made conclusion based on the journalist's own opinion. He failed to identify the newspaper.

"I've never felt more sorry. That journalists made his own conclusion (from my statements)," he said. "The day after, the newspaper revised its story but said 'Moerdiono revised his comments on the subject. It's the journalist who revised the story, not me."

Speaking to 700 employees of the news agency, he suggested that they improve professionalism in order to survive the increasingly fierce competition brought about by modernization and globalization.

Moerdiono is the chief of the advisory board of the Antara news agency.

"What's important now is how the agency can survive," he reiterated. "In my capacity as a member of the advisory board, I don't know how much financial support the agency receives from the government.

"However, I know for a fact that the state budget (for the agency) is decreasing," he said.

In the ceremony, Moerdiono presented 29 employees with medals as appreciation for their service at the agency for 15, 20, and 30 years.

Antara was founded on Dec. 13, 1937 in Batavia (former name of Jakarta) by Adam Malik (who later became vice president), Pandoe Kartawigoena, Soemanang and Albert M. Sipahoetar. (03)