ANTARA STRIVES TO MAINTAIN GOOD INDONESIA-MALAYSIA RELATIONS

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 30 (Bernama) -- The Indonesian National News Agency
(Antara) strives to maintain the good relations between Malaysia and Indonesia
by reporting positive news and those that do not provoke sentiments over issues
involving the two countries.

Antara editor-in-chief Saiful Hadi said his journalists were ordered not to
touch on relations with Malaysia and to hold on to the principle of good
bilateral relations in their reports.

"The Indonesian mass media, which had grown after the era of President
Suharto, give importance to ratings and news that captivate readers in order to
compete in the industry," he said in a speech at a meeting with Bernama's bureau
chiefs and other senior journalists, here, Thursday.

He said many reports on the anti-Malaysian demonstrations were not liked by
Indonesians themselves, and residents of Jakarta, where the demonstrations took
place, were tired of seeing them and reading about them in the news.

In that context, he believed and hoped that Malaysian journalists would not
get caught up in the antics of these small, unpopular groups of demonstrators
and "dance to their tune".

Saiful Hadi said most of the demonstrations in Jakarta were organised by
groups paid by certain quarters who wanted to see Indonesia-Malaysia relations
strained.

"Not only relations between our two countries a target for sensational news
stories, but the conflicts and fights between different races and religions in
Indonesia's provinces are also getting wide coverage, worsening the situation.

"In the effort to show the true feelings of Indonesians towards Malaysia
each time an issue arose and was sensationalised by the media there, Antara
would carry comments and views of Indonesians who were against the
demonstrations.

"Among others, Antara has also published news quoting Malay culture chiefs
in Sumatra who still have strong ties with Malaysians, and other groups who want
the cordial relations to continue."

Saiful Hadi, who is also head of the Association of Malaysian and Indonesian
Journalists (ISWAMI), said his efforts, through ISWAMI, included explaining the
importance of maintaining the good bilateral relations for mutual benefit.


He said the direct relationship between Antara and Bernama also allowed
Antara to disseminate accurate facts on cases such as those involving the abuse
of maids and how they were dealt with under Malaysian laws.

Meanwhile, Bernama editor-in-chief Yong Soo Heong said Bernama's
bureau chiefs could gain much experience from Antara as it was established over
70 years ago, including in handling sensitive issues involving race and
religion.

"Antara is a news agency which is respected by many countries, and we can
learn a lot from their relationship with the Indonesian government and leaders,"
he added.

-- BERNAMA