Tarman Azzam named new PWI chairman

Tarman Azzam named new PWI chairman

SEMARANG, Central Java (JP): The Indonesian Journalists
Association (PWI) has elected Tarman Azzam, its Jakarta chapter
chairman, as its leader through 2004.

Tarman, chief editor of Terbit afternoon daily, was picked
from several strong contenders, including former secretary-
general Parni Hadi, Dahlan Iskan, owner of the Jawa Pos media
group, and Tribuana Said of Merdeka.

At its 20th congress, Tarman won 40 votes and Parni gained 26
of 85 votes cast. The election was described by several
participants as "very democratic".

Before the election, members said they no longer wanted
"government cronies" for their leadership.

They advocated the election of a "reform-spirited leader" who
was not a "crony" of the present government who could help
increase journalists' professionalism.

The organization's new secretary-general is Bambang Sadono,
the chairman of its Central Java branch.

Atang Ruswita of Bandung's Pikiran Rakyat replaces Kompas
chief editor Jakob Oetama as head of the honorary board.

Herry Komar, chief editor of the Gatra weekly, chairs its
division for print media; Rita Hastuti for radio and Yasirwan
Uyun for television.

PWI's new treasurer is Banjar Chairuddin of the Bisnis
Indonesia business daily, and Agus Parengkuan of Kompas heads its
foreign affairs division.

The film and culture division is chaired by Wina Armada and
Kompas reporter Reinhard Simanjuntak heads its political and
security division.

PWI has long been criticized for being a government
mouthpiece. Outgoing chairman Lubis is the chief editor of the
popular Pos Kota, partly owned by former minister of information
and now House of Representatives Speaker Harmoko.

Lubis had removed himself from the running for the
chairmanship.

Parni said PWI should "keep a distance from power holders".

"In the past it was this impression that was strongly felt
among the public." Parni added that PWI should improve its image
and be "more independent".

Senior journalist Rosihan Anwar said PWI would now have to
watch out even more for its independence given next year's
general election. "Contestants will be vying to sweet-talk the
media for their respective interests." (har/anr)