Udin declared Hero of Indonesian Journalism

Udin declared Hero of Indonesian Journalism

YOGYAKARTA (JP): A non-governmental organization named slain
journalist Fuad Muhammad Syafruddin the Hero of the Indonesian
Journalism Monday, for his commitment to unveiling truth through
investigative reporting.

Calling themselves Masyarakat Indonesian Anti-kekerasan
(Indonesian Society Against Violence), the group conferred the
honor in a ceremony at the journalist's parents' house. Fuad's
father, Wagiman, received the plaque on behalf of his murdered
son.

The Society is an umbrella organization for activists of
various organizations, including Kanigoro Theater, the Kurcaci
Theater, the Yogyakarta Legal Aid Institute, the Yogyakarta
Women's Association, the Indonesian Forum of Arts, volunteers
from the Foundation of the Indonesian Legal Aid Institute and the
Yogyakarta NGO's Forum.

In the ceremony, spokesman for the Yogyakarta Legal Aid
Institute Budi Hartono read a statement of concern about the
journalist's death.

"We hope there will be no more violence in Indonesia," Budi
said.

Earlier in the day, another group calling themselves Persatuan
Demokrat Indonesia (The United Indonesian Democrats) delivered a
statement of concern to the Yogyakarta legislative council.

Chairman Deni A. Dwiyanto and secretary-general Ngarto
Februana demanded the government investigate and find the
journalist's killer.

Fuad, widely known as Udin, was beaten by unidentified thugs
on Aug. 13. He died three days later without regaining
consciousness.

Many people, including the Indonesian Journalists Association,
which established a fact-finding team on the case, believe Udin
was killed because of his critical reporting on local government
policies and rampant corruption in the administration.

Budi also demanded Bantul Regent Sri Roso Sudarmo resign,
charging that Udin's reporting on the Bantul regent's alleged
manipulation of the regency's poverty alleviation program funds
was related to his murder.

"We hope that the Bantul regent will feel free to resign. A
senior military officer like him should act like a real senior
officer," he said.

Sri Roso Sudarmo is still active in the Armed Forces, as a
Colonel. He has repeatedly denied links to the journalist's death
or the mismanagement of funds.

The police have so far identified Dwi Sumaji, a driver at a
local advertising firm, as the only suspect. (23/imn)