PWI issues special ID cards

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)