TEMPO.CO, Jakarta-The Jakarta chapter of the Alliance of Independent Journalists (AJI) criticized Jakarta Governor Basuki “Ahok” Tjahaja Purnama for banning a journalist with an online news portal Arah.com to enter his office. Ahmad Nurhasim, chairman of AJI’s Jakarta chapter said that Ahok has violated the press law.
“Ahok has no right to ban or banish journalists covering for news at the City Hall,” Nurhasim said in a press release on Friday, June 17, 2016.
Nurhasim argued that the City Hall is a public space, and journalists have the right to conduct their journalism tasks at the City Hall. He viewed that Ahok was an official who could not handle the press.
“No matter how difficult or provoking the question was, [Ahok] can answer it without banishing the journalist. If Ahok objected to news coverage, he could file a complaint to the publisher or file a protest to the Press Council, instead of banishing the journalist. Ahok doesn’t own the City Hall. He works there as a public official whose salary is paid by taxpayers,” Nurhasim asserted.
Earlier, Ahok banished a journalist of an online news portal Arah.com from the City Hall. The interview was initially related to an allegation of a fund flow of Rp30 billion (US$2.2 million) from reclamation developers to Ahok’s supporter group Teman Ahok (Friends of Ahok).
The Governor was offended and viewed that the issue was raised to stain his reputation. Ahok claimed that he had been consistent as a free-of-corruption official since he served as a Regional Legislative Council member. The journalist replied, “So, there is no better official than you?”
Ahok expressed his frustration and alleged that the question was aimed at triggering a conflict.
“What newspaper are you with? Next time, you are not allowed here,” Ahok said. “I have no obligation to answer your question. You’re trying to trigger a conflict. You are banned, and no more interview for you.”
INGE KLARA SAFITRI
