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)