PWI issues special ID cards

BANDA ACEH, Aceh: The Aceh branch of the Indonesian Journalists Association (PWI) issued special identification cards yesterday for reporters covering student demonstrations in the province.

Branch office chief Syamsul Kahar said here yesterday that the special cards, different from the association's regular identification cards, were made to help prevent any "miscommunication" between on-duty reporters and security personnel.

"In student rallies, many on-duty reporters have become subject to beatings and stonings by students and security forces," he said.

He cited a recent example of a journalist who was hit by a security officer while covering a student demonstration in Medan, North Sumatra.

He said 100 of the special cards had been distributed to local reporters. (rms)