Parni named new general manager of 'Antara'

JAKARTA (JP): Senior journalist Parni Hadi is slated to be sworn in as the new general manager of the government's Antara news agency on Friday, replacing Handjojo Nitimihardjo who has held the post since 1986.

President B.J. Habibie issued the presidential decree concerning his long-time friend Parni, who is also the secretary-general of the Indonesian Journalists Association (PWI).

"Pak Akbar is expected to install Parni because Antara is under the State Secretariat's supervision," a palace official told The Jakarta Post yesterday, referring to Minister/State Secretary Akbar Tanjung.

The appointment of Antara's general manager is always based on a presidential decree, the official said.

Observers have often cited Parni as a close confidant and advisor of Habibie in issues relating to the media.

Parni is currently general manager of the Republika daily. He was previously the chief editor of the daily, which was also pioneered by Habibie.

However Parni is not a newcomer to the news agency because he spent most of his journalistic career with Antara.

Today Parni is scheduled to be one of 41 people sworn in as new members of the People's Consultative Assembly.

The state-run news agency plays an important role in the nationwide dissemination of information. (prb)