TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Minister for Foreign Affairs Retno Marsudi, said that there has never been a ban in place for foreign journalists to operate and report from Papua. "The government has never forbade foreign journalists and civilians from visiting Papuan soil," said Marsudi at the House of Representatives (DPR) Complex in Jakarta on Monday, June 22, 2015.
In fact, continued Marsudi, President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo had previously given directives for foreign journalists on what sort of reporting is permitted in Papua. "The President's directives was welcomed by the international community," Retno said.
According to data released by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said Retno, there are currently 22 foreign journalists that are currently reporting from Papua.
"We have all the data. Throughout 2014, there were 22 visits that were approved by the government - which meant that there were practically no objections from the government. The government would only object if there are administrative requirements that have not been met, or if the security situation does not allow for safe reporting from Papuan territory. A reporting ban never existed in Papua," said Retno.
ANTARANEWS
