TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Independent Journalists Alliance (AJI) head Abdul Manan said reporters and law enforcers had the same intention to seek the truth. However, he added, both professions use different ways and instrument in achieving the goal.
Abdul made the statement in response to Indonesialeaks’ report on alleged bribe case involving National Police Chief Tito Karnavian. The news sparked pros and cons from many parties.
Setara Institute head Hendardi, for example, considered the report issued by Indonesialeaks was not a journalistic product. “It is not a report from a law enforcement institution which can be trusted,” he said in a written statement.
According to Abdul, law enforcers such as the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) and the police were allowed to use a force to call for an investigation, demand evidence, and hold interrogation in looking for the truth in a case.
Read: Indonesialeaks; DPD Member Supports Tito Karnavian
“While us, reporters, can find the truth by conducting verification, document check, and confirmation,” Abdul told Tempo, Friday, October 12. “So, media and law enforcers have different approach despite having the same goal in finding truths,” he noted.
He noted his side was certain that Indonesialeaks’ report was based on data and facts. According to Abdul, if other party had different data and facts, the proper way to exposing it would be confronting the fact with re-investigation.
Indonesialeaks is a platform for public informants to anonymously share crucial documents on newsworthy scandals. It is founded by AJI, the Indonesian Association for Media Development, and Tempo Institute with NGO members including ICW, LBH Pers, Change.org, Auriga and national media.
On October 8, 2018, Indonesialeaks disclosed an irregularity in the bribery case that incriminated Basuki Hariman, who bribed Constitutional Court justice Patrialis Akbar in January 2017. Indonesialeaks revealed the destruction of evidence allegedly done by two KPK investigators at that time, Adj. Comr. Roland Ronaldy and Comr Aaron.
The evidence in question was the red bank book of Basuki’s transaction record to police’s top brass, including Tito Karnavian who was posted as the Jakarta Police Chief at that time.
RYAN DWIKY ANGGRIAWAN
