Reporters to get ID cards in Bekasi

BEKASI, West Java (JP): The Bekasi regency administration and the local branch of the Indonesian journalists' association will jointly issue identification (ID) cards for journalists operating in the regency.

The plan will be endorsed by both parties and is aimed at determining genuine reporters from bogus journalists.

A reliable source said some district officials and business people had complained to the Regent about blackmail attempts by bogus reporters.

Bekasi Regent Moch. Djamhari said the ID cards would stop bogus reporters from practicing in the regency.

He said bogus reporters were more aggressive in chasing news sources, particularly regency officials, and eventually asked for money.

There are 68 reporters working in his regency but only 49 have submitted letters of assignment.

He said ID cards would soon be distributed to reporters with Indonesian journalists association membership cards and had submitted letters of assignment from their chief editors.

The chairman of the association's West Java branch, Aris Suparno, said he supported the plan and expected the regency office to selectively distribute the ID Cards.

Meanwhile, Ani Sutisna, deputy chairman of the local information office, said the new ID cards should be properly used by the authorized reporters.

"The ID cards should solve the problem and not create new problems," Ani said. (kod)