Reporters want protection

SEMARANG: The Association of Indonesian Journalists's local office has requested protection for its members covering the election campaign.

Sutrisno Budiarto, a reporter for the Surya daily, was beaten up last Sunday by Golkar supporters in Sukoharjo. Then a minivan belonging to a Jakarta-based private television station was beaten and dented by supporters of the United Development Party (PPP) in Pekalongan last week.

A reporter for The Jakarta Post was hit by stones thrown by PPP supporters during one of their rallies.

Sakdani Darmopramujo of the association said reporters had to be protected because were often targeted by the rage of campaign supporters.

"The reporters have to cooperate with police when they cover the campaign," Sakdani said. (har)