'Thuggery against media must end'

JAKARTA: A group of journalists and non-governmental organizations (NGO) urged all Indonesian media workers on Thursday to unite and strengthen ties to deter thuggery.

The appeal came amid a recent campaign against thuggery, which was intensified after two Tempo journalists and one SCTV cameraman became victims of violence in the course of their work recently.

Speaking at the forum, senior journalist Fikri Jufri urged all members of the media to take the initiative and begin aiding one another and protecting journalists and activists via frequent calls for an end to the increasing number of bullying, and sometimes violent attacks.

"We should conduct frequent visits to all media groups and the editor's clubs to carry out educational campaigns on how to protect journalists and activists from violence," he said.--JP