Press bans under New Order era

Press bans under New Order era

There is no comprehensive data on press bannings under the New Order government. The largest number of highly political bans issued was recorded at 46 in the aftermath of the 1965 abortive PKI communist coup.

In 1974, following the anti-Japan protests, the government closed down 11 newspapers and one magazine. In January 1978, seven Jakarta newspapers, Kompas, Merdeka, Sinar Harapan, Pelita, Pos Sore, Indonesian Times and Sinar Pagi, were closed on the allegation that they printed news that threatened public order and security.

In 1982 Tempo was temporarily banned for its coverage on the general elections. Sinar Harapan was closed down in 1986 for its "speculative reporting which caused public unrest".

The government revoked the license of Prioritas in 1987 and of Monitor in 1990. The ban on Monitor followed its publication of a poll which was considered offensive to Moslems.

Last year saw the closing of two magazines, Tempo and Editor, and one tabloid, DeTik.