Slain journalist not forgotten

YOGYAKARTA: The Legal Aid Office here has urged the local branch of the Ministry of Social Affairs to award a posthumous honor to slain journalist Fuad Muhammad Syafrudin.

His death in August 1996 following physical abuse is believed to be related to his reports on local corruption. His killer is yet to be found.

In a media release here, the head of the office, A. Budi Hartono, said the ministry office had forwarded a number of requirements to name Syafrudin, better known as Udin, a hero. The requirements had been fulfilled by his family, Budi said.

Minister Yustika Baharsjah recently said in a visit here that the title could only be awarded following a seminar.

"There is no such rule," Budi said, "If there was, the ministry should have told us." (swa)