Murder of reporter condemned

PALU, Central Sulawesi (JP): Four journalists organizations: Alliance of Independent Journalists (AJI), Indonesian Journalists Association of Reform (PWI Reformasi), Committee of Indonesian Journalists of Reform (KWRI) and Indonesian Journalists Association (PWI) condemned on Friday the killing of a reporter of the Poso Post, I Wayan Sumiarsa.

"We are worried that more reporters will become victims of brutality," Maxi Meliano Wolor, chairman of Central Sulawesi AJI chapter, told a media briefing after meeting with the province police chief.

During the meeting with Central Sulawesi Police chief Brig. Gen. Zainal Abidin Ishak, Maxi said that the Indonesian press were shocked.

"We deplore such brutality against the press in the reform era. And this took place in Poso, a town which had just been torn apart by sectarian clashes with hundreds of people killed without purpose," Maxi said.

"We urge police to investigate this case thoroughly and find the murderers."

Sumiarsa, 25, was reported missing on May 28 and found dead in the Poso River on June 3. His body, wrapped in a plastic bag, had multiple stab wounds.

Sumiarsa's wife, Diana, had reported to the police twice since her husband did not return home on May 28.

Ging Ginanjar, coordinator for the advocacy division at AJI head office in Jakarta, said in a written statement, that journalists working in Poso must not be deterred by the killing. "Professionally, journalists are protected by law," Ginanjar said, referring to the Article 8 of Law No. 40/1999 on the media. (24/sur)