The controversial verdict

The controversial verdict

Tomy Winata in a libel suit case against senior journalist Goenawan Mohamad. In Monday's session the panel of judges ordered Goenawan to run an apology on the front pages of Koran Tempo and Kompas dailies for two consecutive days.

According to the court, Goenawan was guilty of making the statement - as quoted by Koran Tempo - that the country should not fall into the hands of thugs, and Tomy Winata.

The court verdict is an obvious effort to eliminate freedom of expression and freedom of the press.

What's wrong with Goenawan's concern over the possible domination of thugs or Tomy Winata in the country. What's wrong with the media reporting on a public figure's concern about the future of his country?

According to Law No. 40/1999 on the press, journalists are supposed to promote social control by, among other things, supervision and criticism for the sake of public interests.

That does not mean that the press can do anything at will. The Press Law clearly limits the power of the press. The law also says that the Press Council is the only institution authorized to judge journalistic jobs. Therefore, the court's order to Goenawan to run an apology in two dailies should have come from the Press Council.

It was unfortunate that the East Jakarta District Court has denied the Press Law and the roles of the Press Council. The result is the denial of press freedom and the people's right to information. --Koran Tempo, Jakarta