'SCTV' takes economist to police

YOGYAKARTA: SCTV reported a Gadjah Mada University economist on Friday to police here for allegedly defaming the private television station.

The suit was submitted to the Yogyakarta Police by two SCTV presenters, Rosiana Silalahi and Bayu Sutiyono, executive producer Zaenal Bhakti accompanied by their lawyers, Bambang Widjojanto and Iskandar Sonhaji.

The broadcaster accused Revrisond Baswir of libel and tarnishing the station's credibility.

The libel case started when Revrisond was invited to speak on a recorded talk show later broadcast on March 3, along with State Minister of National Development Planning Sri Mulyani Indrawati.

The program, called Topik Minggu Ini (This Week's Topic), discussed the pros and cons of the government's policy of raising fuel prices.

Disappointed for being given less time to speak in the talk show than the minister, Revrisond reportedly accused the TV station of "unfairly cutting his time" in favor of those who supported the price hikes. Revrisond was among those opposed to the policy.

In the accusation made through a mailing list allegedly sent by Revrisond, SCTV was accused of being paid Rp 350 million (US$36,842) to slant the program.

Revrisond was reportedly angry that many of his statements during the talk show were edited before the program was aired. --JP