Politicians aim to restrict press: PWI

Politicians aim to restrict press: PWI

JAKARTA: Press Council (PWI) chairman Ichlasul Amal expressed regret that some of the country's politicians were considering restricting press freedom by endorsing legislation that would curb public access to information.

Speaking during a hearing with House of Representatives Commission I for security and information on Monday, Ichlasul said the state was trying to expand its control over people's lives through legislation.

"Efforts to revise the Criminal Code and deliberate the state secrecy law confirm that politicians are trying to control the press," Ichlasul said.

He suggested that the state focus more on law enforcement to ensure that the press conformed to journalism's code of ethics instead of producing more regulations to restrict the media.

"To minimize excesses of press freedom, the state should focus on law enforcement instead of issuing regulations and amending the press law," Ichlasul said. --Antara.