Press freedom to be curtailed?

President Abdurrahman "Gus Dur" Wahid feels that the press no longer deserves its freedom and, in many respects, needs to be curtailed. Its coverage of presidential activities in particular and those of the government in general are regarded as being disadvantageous to the interests of the government.

The President has ordered the Minister of Justice and Human Rights to prepare more stringent measures against journalists and newspapers or magazines that do not reflect a favorable impression of the President or of his presidential staff. In many cases the media's reports are biased and statements or facts have been twisted and falsely colored to suit sensational purposes. Such is at least the assertion of the President.

The government believes that it is now time for legal action to be taken against the perpetrators, such as putting the journalists behind bars and banning the publications. Understandably, the journalists' associations have reacted angrily to such threats now that the press has been enjoying the greatest freedom for some time. Banning newspapers and magazines are not only considered by most journalists as undemocratic but also against the ideals of reform.

A number of people contend that the media only reflects the mood of the people which is now very critical of the President. Under threat by the People's Consultative Assembly, in the form of impeachment within less than one month's time, the government has resorted to this unpopular measure to control the press.

If Gus Dur is serious about curbing the press's freedom under the banner of democracy, with publications will be banned and journalists arrested just because they are critical of the President and his policies, the end really does seem near for this administration.

The best policy for the government, and for the President for that matter, is to deny whatever unfavorable rumors are circulating and launch a counter attack through the many presidential spokesmen and ministers.

It is a naked truth that the reformist movement initiated by the students, which led to the fall of the dictatorial regime of Soeharto, desired a democratic administration and to freely breath the air of press freedom.

No political leader, including the military, would resort to the curtailing of press freedom unless they had lost their mind. The press must remain the partner of the government in imparting reliable and balanced information to the general public. On the contrary, making the media hostile is tantamount to political suicide.

GANDHI SUKARDI

Jakarta