SEAPA Protests a Local Politician’s Attack on Reporters

SEAPA Jakarta
November 11, 2002

The Southeast Asian Press Alliance (SEAPA) Jakarta denounces the assault on two journalists by a Pontianak member of parliament (MP) and his thug at the Pontianak Regional House of Representatives compound, November 7 2002.

The attack initially occurred when a crew-cut man called Anton Perdana, reporter of the Equator daily, to follow him while the journalist was waiting to get an interview at the Golkar party waiting room. As he was about to get up, Sutarmidji Mhum, Chairperson of the Pontianak branch of the United Development Party (PPP) warned him against it. So the journalist decided to seat back down. The second time, the crew cut man called again while pointing at Heriansyah, MP from the PPP Faction: “Hey, there’s somebody who wants to talk to you.”

Out of curiosity, Perdana approached the parliament member. But before journalist got to the MP, the crew-cut man punched him in the face. Seeing a fellow journalist in trouble, Rizal Ardiansyah of Radio Volare pulled the attacked to stop the assault. The Heriansyah joined the assault, pushing Perdana to the floor. Suddenly friends of the crew cut thug followed, thumping Perdana, punching Ardiansyah as the MP was clutching the radio journalist by the neck.

SEAPA correspondent in Pontianak reported that the assault was related to the news reporting on a story where several Pontianak MPs were taking bribes as they were visiting an area in Pontianak.

As an organization of journalists dedicated to press freedom and to the protection of journalists, SEAPA Jakarta condemns this attack in the strongest possible language since it further deteriorated the state of press freedom in Indonesia. Journalists must be free to conduct their professional duties without fear of harassment and attack. Such incident could foster a climate of fear that inhibits journalistic investigation and misleads the promotion of self-censorship.

SEAPA demands Pontianak Police acts accordingly, as Radio Volare and the Equator daily have filed charges with letter No Pol: LP/1481/KI/XI/2002. SEAPA also demands the Pontianak Regional House of Representatives to tackle this case seriously as the assault showcased a disgraced act committed by PPP MP Heriansyah. SEAPA, along with other media advocacy organisations, will monitor this case closely and await response from both Pontianak Police and Parliament.

Yours Respectfully,

Lukas Luwarso
Solahudin
Country Director Advocacy Coordinator