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