Press subsidized by local government
Rusman and Tiarma Siboro, The Jakarta Post, Samarinda/Jakarta
Fifteen local media enterprises have received subsidies amounting to Rp 3 million (US$340) per publication from the East Kalimantan administration for their operations in 2004. The amount is bigger than last year when they received "only" around Rp 2.7 million.
According to the provincial administration spokesman Syafruddin Pernyata, the subsidy was routine aid given to the publishing companies to support their business, to provide information about developments in the region.
"If the local administration does not support them (the media), then who will? We realize that the owners of publishing companies are able to deal with the journalism side of the business, but they have difficulties due to their limited budget," Syafrudin said after handing over the funds to the publishing companies recently.
The funds have been disbursed from the provincial budget allocated for public affairs and the allocation was approved by the local council, according to Syafrudin.
The 15 companies, which received the subsidies, publish weekly and monthly tabloids and magazines.
The local administration also handed over funds for other expenditure. The amount, however, was not disclosed.
"We hope the local administration, the public and the media can establish a good relationship from now onwards. Indeed, we also hope that the press can maintain its function as public monitor," he said.
Meanwhile, media observer Atmakusumah Astraatmadja abhorred the subsidies for the local mass media, saying that it would affect the independence of the press.
He suggested the local administrations' public affairs departments develop a relationship with the press, by among other things, providing appropriate press releases, instead of "giving money to buy such a relationship."
"I have on so many occasions told officials in charge of public affairs to stop providing subsidies for local media because, whether we like it or not, it will prevent press from being independent," Atmakusumah told The Jakarta Post.