Indonesian-based German Journalist and Tempo Contributor Arrested

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Armin Wertz, German journalist and Tempo contributor, was reported to be arrested by Syrian Army in Allepo, Syria, earlier this month. Armin is an Indonesian-based veteran reporter with a bunch of experience writing for medias in Germany and Asia.

Richard Bennett, Senior Editor of Tempo English Edition, said that Armin never worked in any other fields after graduating from university, in which he took economy – politic major. Therefore, Armin’s report is considered factual and logical. "You can’t say that his writing is very old school," said Richard, given that Armin’s writing is full of teasing humor.

"The first time we met was about 10 years ago through a friend or colleague. We have the same sense of humor and the love for football," said Richard. Since then, Richard and Armin fitted each other. "Probably because we both like tasty food and tequila," Richard added.

After working as an editor for Stern weekly magazine in Germany, Armin spent 10 years in Mexico and Latin America, being a contributor for Der Spiegel, another German weekly magazine.

Armin then spent his years in Israel for a couple of years, reporting the conflict between Israel and Palestine for German daily newspaper, Frankfurter Rundschau. In the last few years, he has been settling in Indonesia and writing some articles for Tempo English Edition. Armin writes several articles from culinary to the world cup.

Deputy Chief Editor of Tempo English Edition, Yuli Ismartono, said to regret the arrest of Armin Wertz. "Even though his state now is part of the risks any journalists may face, we deeply wish that Armin could be saved and rescued," she said.

SYARI FANI