President's warning

President's warning

President Soeharto warned the media about inaccurate reporting about the purchase of the German warships. The president said if the warning did not work, then action should be taken. People can react differently to the statement, but it should be known that the observations must be critical in nature and within the framework of introspection and self-control.

The President's warning has not come by accident and without reasons, but it is preceded by issues in some media which are feared to constitute "trial by the press," which in turn can disturb the political and national stability.

-- Kompas, Jakarta

In response to the controversial reports in the media about the purchase of the second-hand German warships, the President said that such reports cannot be tolerated. Corrections must be made because they may threaten the continuity of national development.

In the context of the era of openness, the press will be better able to uphold journalistic ethics if it can maintain quality interactions between the press, the society and the government.

-- Suara Karya, Jakarta