Asian Games; National Media Accused of Highlighting `Black River`
24 July 2018 16:48 WIB
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Ahead of the 18th Asian Games, Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan criticized national media that highlighted the issue of Sentiong River or commonly known as Kali Item (Black River) thus it became a spotlight in the international media.
“International media only make news based on those in local media,” said Anies in Ragunan, South Jakarta, today, July 24.
According to the governor, foreign media likely followed the issue reported by national media -either the good or bad ones- considering it had a strong influence. “So, let’s show the positive [news] of Indonesia,” he underlined.
Read: Asian Games; Past Governance Blamed for Inheriting Black River
The Black River was located adjacent to Asian Games athletes dorm complex, Kemayoran, Central Jakarta. The dorm would later accommodate both Indonesian and foreign athletes.
The issue of the black river became public limelight following the city administration order to cover up the dirty and smelly river with giant black net ahead of the 18th Asian Games. The instruction attracted media attention, both domestic and international.
M YUSUF MANURUNG
