INDEPENDIENTE

The Photo Exhibition about Indonesian independence collection of ANTARA FOTO-IPPHOS

Antara Foto as Indonesian Press Photo Agency in cooperation with Galeri Foto Jurnalistik Antara and the Plaza Semanggi presented “Independiente” photo exhibition in August 15-26, 2007. Opening ceremony will be held on August 15 at 7pm. Minister of Communication and Informatics Mr. Muhammad Nuh will open this exhibition together with founding father’s heir Mrs. Meutia Hatta and Mr. Guruh Soekarno Putra (still under confirmation).

MATA HATI

The Best Picture 1965-2007 of Kompas daily Photo Exhibition 

Kompas as the biggest newspaper in Indonesia has a long history. They recorded picture not only as compliment of news, but also as a part of the history itself. The photo exhibition will take on road show to 6 cities around Indonesia with places and schedules listed below. 

• Jakarta: Bentara Budaya Jakarta. July 17-23, 2007
• Semarang: Galeri Semarang. August 11-20, 2007
• Surabaya: Balai Pemuda. August 26-September 1, 2007
• Malang: Kantor Perpustakaan dan Arsip Kota Malang. September 6-11, 2007
• Yogyakarta: Bentara Budaya Yogyakarta. October 21-28, 2007
• Medan: Hotel Garuda Plaza. November 16-25, 2007.

OOM PASIKOM, Communicate Criticism with Silence

article by Bhayu M.H. 

Who is Oom Pasikom? If there are any middle class people in Indonesia who don’t know him, she or he must be undesirable stupid idiot. Because of this name appeared daily as the character in Kompas, the largest newspaper in Indonesia since 1967! Even the name of Oom Pasikom is anagram from Kompas itself (added with “i”). Well, I heard one stupid idiot women like this whenever I went to Kinokuniya bookstore at Plaza Senayan on Friday (13/7). She commented on a book titled 40 tahun Oom Pasikom: Peristiwa Dalam Kartun 1967-2007 (Commemorating 40 years of Oom Pasikom: Event in Cartoon 1967-2007) when her boyfriend showed her this book at that bookstore. Meanwhile I just met G.M. Sudarta –the cartoonist who made Oom Pasikom- three hour before! Well, please pardon my emotional nuance in this preface of the article. I hate people who don’t have intention to learn although they can! 

Oom Pasikom and Indonesia

As told by G.M. Sudarta himself, there was several cartoon illustration which could not publish because it’s sensitivity. One of them which showed for public in exhibition held at Bentara Budaya Jakarta (3-12/7) has DOM theme. DOM -for you who don’t know or foreigners who read this blog- are acronym of Daerah Operasi Militer, in English Military Operation Zone. This is Indonesian government policy on Aceh which threat that province as ‘war zone’ because of intension arouse of the separatist rebellion by Gerakan Aceh Merdeka (GAM, Free Aceh Movement). Held from 1989 and ended at 1998 at the same time of Soeharto’s regime fallen, DOM suspected as human right violation related to the amount of victim death or missing. Oom Pasikom character itself started not long since he applied as illustrator for Kompas. At the beginning, Kompas has no mascot since that newspaper just founded. GM Sudarta discussed this desire with J. Adisubrata, senior editor at Kompas in 1967. And incidentally, the character created later took face of Adisubrata as example! (GM Sudarta, 2007:262).40 years appeared on the main page –beside editorial- of the biggest newspaper in Indonesia has made Oom Pasikom as the witness of Indonesian history, even the world. GM Sudarta recorded every big issue in the world like the death of Saddam Hussein (look at picture above) as well as domestic issue. For Indonesian, his cartoon can refresh our memory about what happened in the past. For example, when I read G.M. Sudarta compilation book (see source), I remember big occasion happened at Soeharto era. Some of them I was not born yet.  

Criticism with Silence

For your information, the name Kompas itself given by Soekarno, the first Indonesian President later succeeded by Soeharto. But in progress, Kompas turn around being a supporter of the New Order regime lead by Soeharto at its first period at 1967-1970 (GM Sudarta, 2007:3). Close to the general election at 1971, Kompas gained its criticism again. Oom Pasikom has made the ruling party at that time –Golkar- angry because it shows the character walking under the rain of ketchup. In Indonesian term, ketchup is identical with anything bullied as number one or fake promise. The massive action of “ketchup selling” or inflation of fake promise before general election campaign time make the rain fall tasted like ketchup. (GM Sudarta, 2007:20).One time at January 21, 1978 Kompas banned and shut-down by government regarding its news about Tanjung Priok case. This is the case which Indonesian military suspected doing massacre when facing demonstration by one of Indonesian Muslim faction at the area near Jakarta’s seaport, Tanjung Priok. Oom Pasikom cartoon is one of the objection points from government.  Kompas have got permission to be published again in February 6, 1978 after signed agreement with the New Order regime not to criticize them too hard. With this position, Oom Pasikom has a significant rule in Indonesian press history. G.M. Sudarta can speak his critics loudly against government and situation with silence: drawing an excellent and full of meaning cartoon. He is not necessarily jump to street to joint demonstration, but still he can contribute and show his care about his nation: Indonesia.  

Bibliography: G.M. Sudarta. 2007. 40 tahun Oom Pasikom: Peristiwa Dalam Kartun 1967-2007, Jakarta: Penerbit Buku Kompas.

Classical Problem of Student Press in Indonesia

Classical Problem

Student press in Indonesia usually facing classical problem. They are unsolved from generation to generation. Many classical problems identified, they are:

1. Lacking of commitment from members 
2. Funding problem
3. Continuity in publishing
4. Low skill in press managerial
5. Low quality in printing
6. Limitedness of adequate equipment
7. Limited time for student to complet their study
8. Professionalism problem, like they often breaking appointment

This article is excerpt from my future book. Genealogi Pers Mahasiswa di Indonesia (Genealogy of Student Press in Indonesia). Will be published -with the permission of God- in December 2007.

BBC Journalist Alan Johnston freed

Nidal al-Mughrabi. Reuters/Gaza 

Alan Johnston, the BBC journalist held hostage in the Gaza strip, was freed Wednesday after a deal between the ruling Hamas Islamist and the al-Qaeda-inspired clan group that kidnapped him in March.“It is just the most fantastic thing to be free. It was an appaling experience,” he told the British public broadcaster from the home of local Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh after his 114-day ordeal at the hands of the shadowy Army of Islam.

Johnston said he was ill at times but only at the last did they “hit me a bit” during a midnight drive to freedom. Often in solitary confinement, he did not see the sun for three months.Haniyeh, whose movement routed the forces of the secular, Western-backed Palestinian president last month to seize full control of the coastal enclave, said the outcome “confirms (Hamas) is serious in imposing security and stability.” Khaled Meshaal, Hamas’s exiled overall leader, told Reuters it contrasted with “anarchy” prevailing when the Fatah faction of West Bank-based President Mahmoud Abbas was active in Gaza.But, in a mark of the bitterness dividing Palestinians, a senior aide to Abbas dismissed Hamas’ statements as “a movie” and “falling out among thieves” between Hamas and the Army of Islam, whose rhetoric echoes that of al-Qaeda groups elsewhere.

Abbas himself welcomed the end of an abduction he said had harmed all Palestinians and said armed groups must be dissolved.Johnston, the only western correspondentbased full-time in the troubled coastal strip, said he sensed his captors felt new pressure after Hamas defeated Fatah three weeks ago. “When Hamas took control, that changed the atmosphere completely,” he said.He described them as “A small jihadi group:” more interested in harming Britain than in the Palestinian conflict with Israel. Israel said that Hamas should now free an Israeli soldier whom Hamas’ own militants have held captive in Gaza for a year.

Negotiators were backed by Hamas fighters cordoning off the stronghold of the armed Doghmush clan. Officials say some of its members are behind the Army of Islam, whose precise links, if any, to foreign al-Qaeda groups are unclear.Mediators said a Muslim cleric’s “fatwa” clinched Johnston release –but also noted Hamas forces had detained leading clan figures and then let them go in return for the hostage.They said there was no ransom or other conditions. The group had demanded Britain and other states free Islamist prisoners. “I dreamt many times of being free and always woke up back in that room. Now it relly is over and it is indescribably good to be out,” said Johnston, a Scot who turned 45 in captivity.

Describing it as the worst time his life and “like being buried alive”, he told a news conference: “It’s almost hard to believe that I’m not going to wake up in that room.”He feared for his life immediately after being seized on March 12, as well as when he was filmed wearing an explosive vest by captors who warned Hamas forces not to try to free him.

British diplomats whisked Johnston by road to the consulate in Jerusalem. Britain and other powers recognize only Abbas’ new government in the West Bank as legitimate in the Palestinian territories and again called on Hamas to renounce violence. But Foreign Secretary David Miliband also acknowledge the “crucial role” Haniyeh and Hamas played in Johnston’s case.Haniyeh, elected 18 months ago, still calls himself prime minister but was fired by Abbas after last month’s violence.Johnston thanked people round the world and colleagues for their support. The BBC said in a statement it was “extremely relieved.” Johnston’s family said the were “overjoyed” after a “living nightmare”. British Prime Minister Gordon Brown welcomed it as a “great relief”. 

Source: The Jakarta Post newspaper, Thursday (5/7). p.3.

‘NY Times’ Says Ready to Face Lawsuit

Jakarta

A lawyer for the New York Times told an Indonesian court Monday the newspaper was ready to defend itself against a multi-million dollar defamation suit from U.S. mining executive. Richard Ness, the head of U.S. mining giant Newmont’s local subsidiary, is suing the Times and reporter Jane Perlez over stories published in 2004 that claimed the company polluted a bay with waste from its now defunct gold mine. Ness and the subsidiary were cleared in April of criminal charges that they polluted Buyat Bay on Sulawesi island with arsenic and mercury from the mine. Ness is seeking about 65 million dollars in damages. Darwin Aritonang, a lawyer for the U.S. newspaper and Perlez, appeared at the Central Jakarta Court for Monday’s hearing after the court placed a public notice in a national newspaper informing the defendant of the trial. He declined to comment on the case because he said he was yet to receive documents from the court. -AFP

Source: The Jakarta Post newspaper, Tuesday (3/7). p.8.

Stop criminalizing the media, says AJI

Jakarta

The Alliance of Independent Journalist (Aliansi Jurnalis Independen-AJI) has made several recommendations to stop the criminalization of the press, which include the issuance of a Supreme Court circular requiring that decisions in press cases follow jurisprudence.In Indonesia, courts currently convict journalists and media companies over charges of defamation based on libel articles in the Criminal Code. Dyah Aryani, program manager for the Indonesia Media Law and Policy Center, said Indonesia embraced the continental legal system, which does not compel judges to follow precedents set in the application of the law.  

Source: The Jakarta Post  newspaper, Thursday (28/6). p. 9

Bakrie Telecom to raise $145m Syndicated loan for expansion

The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

Publicly listed telecommunication firm PT Bakrie Telecom Tbk will raise US$ 145 million in the form of a syndicated loan from a consortium of overseas financial institutions.President director Anindya Novyan Bakrie said Tuesday that the company would use $ 95 million of the loan to partly finance network expansion and the remainder to refinance debt worth Rp 450 billion (US$ 50 million).The loan will mature in five years, including a two-year grace period, and will cary an interest rate of around nine percent, or four percent above the London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) – the world benchmark for short-term interest rates. The loan agreement was signed recently by the company and the consortium, with Credit Suisse acting as the lead arranger.

This year, Bakrie Telecom will expand its network to 17 big cities around the county, including Semarang, Yogyakarta, Surabaya, Medan and Padang. At present, the CDMA operator only serves Jakarta, and West Java and Banten provinces. “These 17 cities are prospective markets for our business as we have discovered that most of their residents suit our customer profiles in the sense that they are value-oriented,” Anindya said, adding that the company was running a major television advertising campaign for its cellular brand, Esia.“By the end of this year, we will have covered 34 cities around the country.”

The company will spend $220 million on capital investment this year. It expects to double the number of its subscribers by the end of this year to 3.6 million, comprising 3.1 million in Greater Jakarta, and West Java and Banten provinces, and the remaining 500,000 in the new coverage areas. As of the end of the first quarter, the company had around 1.8 million subscribers.By way of comparison, Bakrie Telecom’s competitors PT Telkom and Mobile-8 have five million and two million subscribers, respectively.

Besides its Esia brand, Bakrie also operates its Wifone wireless fixed service, Wimode wireless internet service and the Esia-tel chain of telephone kiosks.To raise more fresh capital, the company also plans to issue bonds worth Rp 500 billion in the third quarter of this year.In the first quarter, its net profit surged 134 percent to Rp 16.25 billion from Rp 120 million in the corresponding period last year. (04) 

Source: The Jakarta Post  newspaper, Wednesday (27/6). p. 13

Press Banning Reincarnate?

by Indriyanto Seno Adji

(Mass Media Law Lecturer at law department of Universitas Indonesia’s postgraduate program)  

In the era of democratization nowadays, constitutionally guarantee for freedom of opinion and expression is not given adequate space for that freedom. Some time this freedom chained with pre-emptive method using new reflectivity, in the meaning of political pressure or social pressure with accentuation to political-mass mobilization or public-mass, with or without such of material vision.  Press world not apart from relation between power, society, and individual whose needs a kind of information balance between that three components. Its mean, any implication to statements, written or spoken, will give solution direction to law judgment, not using non-extra journalism likewise mass mobilization, occupancy of mass media office, and another violence formulation, as well as non-democratic prevention way as concept actualization of press banning.’ 

Must be avoided

Non-populist actions against press must be avoided, like Jawa Pos daily case in the term of its reportage which implicated that media must facing with hundreds of Banser GP Ansor Surabaya. (paramiliter body of Nahdlatul Ulama, one of big mass organization in Indonesia-BMH). This mass mobilization called political-mass, meanwhile public-mass happened in relation of the case of Tempo magazine which performed as a barrier for press freedom principle, and moreover this public mass has violence as reactive tools for news substance. This second barrier for press freedom looked as new phenomenon against press prevention which absolutely dislike by the law. In one side, reform era is a test for press freedom itself, in the other side as social and law introspect to its reportage.

Press prevention concept is press banning actualized as authoritarian representation. We don’t want press prevention syndrome happened any more. That’s it, history write it down that a free and responsible press treated as power illusion symbol only although section 4 of State Law number 11 year 1966 juncto State Law number 21/1982 (State Law number 40/1999 about Press) give restriction against any prevention actions such as censorship, shut-down, or broadcasting restriction, even section 4 verse 1 State Law number 4/1999 giving press freedom guarantee as civil human rights stated that press must be free from any prevention actions, restrictions, and or pressure to secure people’s right to access information. 

There is law’s limitation

We recognize, press freedom thought in this democratization era aimed to libertarian thought as absolute press freedom form, but in this freedom context must be present legal responsibility for press. Universal press freedom in the world of democracy must sustain two conditions. First, limitative rule, which is it is not legalized the existence of any normative law product creation which implies to limit that press freedom itself, furthermore absolute restriction to do any prevention action including banning and censorship. Second, democratic rule, which is it is not legal to suit press with criminal code against any statements that have privet tendency.

Law anticipation action should better owned by press institution. Press should not protect themselves with rejection right immunity provided by State Law. Press power doesn’t lies on the present of reportage that fulfill cover both sides requirements or getting news source as accountable investigating news. Giving any analysis and opinion which in contradiction with the fact should be press responsibility, because of that press are not free from law responsibility.Universal guidance as law limitation from press freedom taken from International Convention on the Freedom of Information held on 1985 at Roma.

That limitation stated that whenever press trespassed national security and public order within their news, or write/broadcast fake news, religion blasphemy, pornography, impede the fair administration of justice, incitement, libel in relation with rights, honor and reputation. With State Law number 40/1999, about any objections against any kind of press news, should be put on answer right (section 5 verse 2) and correction right (section 5 verse 3), even as a nation who have high appreciation to The Rule of Law, society/individual can remand press problematic through judicature process as legal solution. Banning and censorship both is character from prevention action at the past time. Automatically, press banning reincarnate will is phenomenon form of conventional violation which is not representative anymore in this democratization era. 

This opinion article originally write in bahasa Indonesia, rewrite by Bhayu M.H. from source: Kompas  newspaper, Tuesday (26/6). p. 6

Mass Media in Banten Deceived

From Serang, Banten province-Indonesia, some television stations managing board reported being deceived by unknown. The bad-guy try to black-mail them for some amount of money and said their action as fee of broadcasting permit. The liar told himself as Haris, Head of Indonesian Broadcasting Committee Banten province (KPID Banten).

The managing board of Banten TV had sent twice to account number 1290005966094 of Bank Mandiri Jakarta Plaza branch, which listed under the name of Renita. First transfer held on June 18, 2007 and the second on June 20, 2007. Both have same amount: Rp 1,5 million (approx. US$ 167).

Meanwhile, the same threat goes to PBS FM, one radio station in Banten. But different with Banten TV, the radio’s managing director Maman Katiman checked out first with KPID Banten. He didn’t transferred because KPID Banten didn’t acknowledged the request and said it was a fake call.

This cheat effort reported to Serang Resort Police already by KPID Banten. Detective Head of Serang Resort Police Commissary Ajutant (equal with Captain) Nazly Harahap said they still investigating this case.

 

adapted by Bhayu M.H. from source: Kompas newspaper, Thursday (21/6), p. 27