Reporters want protection

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)