TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Jakarta branch of the Election Supervisory Agency (Bawaslu) on Friday, October 28, 2016, signed a memorandum of understanding with the Press Council to monitor political advertising in mass media.

Press Council chairman Yosep Adi Prasetyo said that the MoU signing would allow his institution to monitor media coverage during the Jakarta gubernatorial campaign. Yosep admitted that he is concerned with the possibility of media being used by candidates to attack other candidates.

“If they promote themselves, then there should be no problem. What needs to be watched is character assassination against rivals,” he said at the Press Council Building in Jakarta on Friday, October 28, 2016.

The Press Council, Yosep explained, has issued a circular letter for media to uphold the journalism ethics and professionalism.

“Media, as a public servant, serves public interests,” he asserted.

The Press Council also called on media not to broadcast contents that might spark ethnic, religious, and racial sentiments, as they may stir up the political situation.

The agreement that will last for five months contains provisions on media supervision during the Jakarta Gubernatorial Election period. Bawaslu, as the first party, will prepare outposts, information networks, and disseminate information related to campaign materials.

CHITRA PARAMAESTI