On freedom of the press

On freedom of the press

The freedom granted to the press is President Habibie's main
achievement. Uncensored news reporting and the emergence of many
new publications are an indication of an adequate freedom of the
press during his tenure.

It needs to be remarked, however, that freedom of the press
and freedom of expression in the Habibie era are still soiled by
intimidating behavior by the government apparatus, particularly
the police.

For example, the reporting on the Free Aceh Movement by SCTV
(or ANteve?). Faisal Basri, secretary-general of the National
Mandate Party (PAN), was interrogated by the police for
expressing his opinion in a news publication. It must also be
remembered that a VCD by Butet Kertaradjasa is still banned.

The three examples above show that freedom of the press and
freedom of expression are still not entirely a reality. This
requires the attention of the next government. Freedom of the
press and freedom of expression are needed for the progress of
the nation. This can only be achieved by a clean government and
by a nation which is free to enlighten the people without being
controlled, let alone oppressed, by the government apparatus.

AMIR SIDHARTA

Jakarta