(RSF/IFEX) – As previously reported by RSF, Ging Ginanjar, correspondent of the Australian radio SBS, was arrested on 10 March 1998 in Jakarta as he was interviewing an actress, Ratna Sarumpaet, who had organized a meeting to discuss the consequences of the Indonesian economic crisis. Lieutenant-Colonel Rismawan, chief of police for the north district of […]
(RSF/IFEX) – As previously reported by RSF, Ging Ginanjar, correspondent of
the Australian radio SBS, was arrested on 10 March 1998 in Jakarta as he was
interviewing an actress, Ratna Sarumpaet, who had organized a meeting to
discuss the consequences of the Indonesian economic crisis.
Lieutenant-Colonel Rismawan, chief of police for the north district of
Jakarta, proceeded to make several arrests without warrants. Ging Ginanjar,
who is still detained, might be imprisoned under article 501 of the
Indonesian criminal code, with the charge of prohibited-meeting organization
and subversion. At the same time, another freelance journalist and former
correspondent of “Merdeka”, Adi Hermawan, was arrested on the same charges.
Indonesian authorities have forbidden any public meetings throughout the
electoral process.
**New cases and updates IFEX action alert of 11 March 1998**
On 9 March 1998, Wandy Nicodemus Toturuong, journalist with “Sinar Pagi”, a
daily based in Jakarta, was also arrested. He was covering a demonstration
held by the Indonesian Independent Labour Union (SBSI). He has been accused
of participating in the demonstration and will be brought before a court.
Recommended Action
Send appeals to authorities:
country has economic problems, journalists should have the opportunity to do
their work without any interference with press freedom
Appeals To
His Excellency President Suharto
Office of the President
Jakarta
Indonesia
Fax: +62 21 360 517/367 782 / +62 21 345 4438
Please copy appeals to the source if possible.
