'Safety first' rule not enough for reporters covering war zones
'Safety first' rule not enough for reporters covering war zones
Hera Diani, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta
Legendary photographer Robert Capa once said: "If your picture's
not good enough, you're not close enough".
The remark has become a guideline for photographers and
journalists covering armed conflicts.
The question is, how close is close enough?
Many journalists have been murdered or abducted in war zones,
with the latest being the seven-day abduction of Metro TV
journalist Meutya Hafid and cameraman Budiyanto in war-torn Iraq.
Is this something unavoidable, or can journalists prepare for
these risks?
Extensive training and preparation cannot guarantee the safety
of reporters covering war zones, according to two local
journalists with extensive experience covering armed conflicts.
"It's no-man's land; there are no rules. Even if we go with a
'safety-first' rule, anything can happen to any of us at random,"
Rommy Fibri of Tempo weekly magazine told The Jakarta Post on
Tuesday.
However, Rommy, who has covered the United States occupation
of Iraq three times since 2003, said that there are some
preparations that journalists going into war zones can do to
minimize risk.
Aside from all-condition shoes and outfits, journalists must
be equipped with extensive knowledge on the region being covered.
"I brought with me books on how to cover conflict areas,
books written by experienced journalists, a dictionary, and
clippings. The more information the better," he said.
Links and contacts must also be prepared to make it easier for
journalists to, for instance, hire interpreters.
As for bullet-proof vests, Rommy gave up wearing them even
though his office provides one.
"The vest is long and very stiff; it's very uncomfortable and
hampers your mobility. The greenish color also makes it similar
to an Iraqi military uniform.
"I thought, even if I was wearing it I could still be shot
dead. So I didn't even bother to bring it on my last visit to
Iraq last June," Rommy recalled.
By way of contrast, M. Nasir from the Kompas daily witnessed
his colleague have a close call in a gunfight in East Timor in
1999, saved by his bullet-proof vest.
"The vest is indeed very stiff, but for the sake of safety I
always wear it," said Nasir who has covered several dangerous
conflicts, including Bosnia, East Timor and Afghanistan.
Nasir also advised journalists to bring a lot of extra money,
aside from canned food and snacks.
"If you go by land, every check point will ask you for money.
Not to mention hoodlums on the streets."
Both Rommy and Nasir, however, did not bother to check on
their insurance, as they were sure their offices would cover
them.
Rommy said journalists must come up with scenarios and
contingency plans.
"You have to really show respect to local people. Meet the
local tribal chief and clerics, as they are often more powerful
than state officials.
"Also, bring photographs showing your human side, such as
pictures of your wife and children. Different prayer books for
different sects are also essential to have," Rommy said.
To avoid being robbed in Iraq, Rommy said that it was
important to pick the right car to be rented, the right car
number plate, and an appropriate driver.
"Get an Iraqi driver. Don't rent cars with Jordanian plates
and driver because Iraqis dislike Jordanians as they are believed
not to be against the American occupation," Rommy said.
SUVs and other fancy vehicles will get you mugged, or even
abducted, as almost happened to Rommy.
Unfortunately for TV journalists, he added, they were assumed
to be rich so that their cars could be stopped anytime.
Whatever happens while covering war, Nasir said that safety
must always come first.
"You have to prepare yourself mentality. You don't know who
you will face," he said.
However, no matter how dangerous it is, hotel room journalism,
where journalists only monitor the war from the comfort of their
hotel rooms, is not an option.
"Monitoring the media and reading is a good thing to do,
because we can be shortsighted in the field, not knowing the big
picture. But the point of going to (conflict zones) is to observe
at close range. So you must try to get outside no matter how
dangerous it might be," Nasir said.