SARA and the press

I would like to elaborate on Onghokham's letter titled What's the motive of the tragedy? (The Jakarta Post, Nov. 14, 2002). The writer warns that neglecting to report on the suspected motivation for the Bali bombings because it might touch on issues of race and religion is to undermine the credibility of the press.

During Soeharto's New Order regime, writing about sensitive racial and religious (SARA) issues was taboo, or even illegal. The truth was hidden, the press muzzled, and the coverage was therefore anything but informative or educational. Wherever or whenever ethnic or religious conflicts erupted in Indonesia, the smart Soeharto accused "communist elements" of being the masterminds and the docile media reported accordingly.

After Soeharto's downfall in 1998, the media took full advantage of the newly won press freedom by providing its readership with an informative coverage in every respect except for reporting on issues related to SARA. Ignoring the fact that an educational coverage is badly needed, too many Indonesian dailies and weeklies still beat about the bush by using nebulous terms when commenting on a "hot" subject.

For instance, the blame for the mushrooming ethnic and religious armed conflicts in Indonesia after 1998 is officially always put on a "certain party", and alleged perpetrators responsible for the bombings, shootings and killings in Poso, Maluku, and elsewhere are officially introduced as unidentified people. And like in the "old days", the media report accordingly.

Of course, the media must refrain from provocative coverage, which could turn a conflict from bad to worse. But this shouldn't be used as an excuse for keeping the readers in the dark. This does not only cast doubts on the professionalism and credibility of the press, but deprives the public of reliable information, which is essential to better understand the reasons for SARA- related conflicts in Indonesia and to encourage the much-needed ethnic and religious dialog.

HILDE MAY, Jakarta