Youth groups support press ban

Youth groups support press ban

JAKARTA (JP): Two youth organizations yesterday came out in
support of the government's ban against Tempo, Editor and DeTIK
news magazines.

The first one, calling themselves the Youth Forum for the
Defense of the Pancasila Press (FPPP), deployed 20 men to the
Ministry of Information office, a target of repeated protests
against the ban on Wednesday and Thursday, but a clash was
avoided as there was no protest.

The second group, the Panca Marga Youth, threatened to send
members to the streets to counter any demonstration.

Five men from the FPPP delegation, led by Andi Muhamad AB were
received by the Director General of Press and Graphics Subrata at
the Ministry of Information yesterday.

They presented a petition supporting the government's decision
to revoke the publishing licenses of the three magazines and
urged the government to be strict against members of the press
who violate the free and responsible press concept.

Panca Marga Youth meanwhile in a statement signed by chairman
Djoko Purwongemboro and deputy secretary general Faisal Saleh
last night also came out in support of the government's bans.

The group expressed "its deep concern at the misinterpretation
of freedom by some members of the press ... resulting in
government and public losing their confidence about the ability
of the press to use its freedom in a positive manner."

It appealed to all parties involved in the dispute to
exercise restraint and warned those who are not directly affected
to stay out of the conflict.

"Anyone who tries to take advantage of the situation to stir
problems that disrupt stability, security, order and public
interest will have to deal with the Panca Marga Youth forces."
(emb/11)