FWK asks Prabowo to correct the speech that equates journalists with Londo Ireng

President Prabowo Subianto delivered a speech at the National Awakening Party event. The National Journalists Forum asked Prabowo to correct his remarks which were considered to equate journalists with Londo Ireng. (IST)

JAKARTA - The National Journalists Forum or FWK asked President Prabowo Subianto to correct his statement which was considered to equate journalists with Londo Ireng. The statement was said to have been delivered when Prabowo attended the National Awakening Party event in Jakarta, Thursday, July 23.

FWK considers the nickname inappropriate and hurts journalists and the media. The term Londo Ireng has historically been used to refer to indigenous people who work for the Dutch colonial government and suppress their own people for personal, group, economic, and political interests.

"The nickname is very inappropriate, even insulting," said the FWK's statement, which was received in Jakarta, Friday, July 24.

FWK emphasized that Indonesian journalists have a long history in fighting for and defending independence. Through reporting, journalists also spread news about the existence of the Republic of Indonesia to the international community.

Some journalists even took up arms. Therefore, FWK stated that the nationalism of Indonesian journalists did not need to be questioned.

FWK also touched on the establishment of the Indonesian Journalists Association (PWI) on February 9, 1946. According to FWK, the formation of PWI was part of an effort to gather journalists and strengthen the press' support for the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia.

"Not a traitor, not Londo Ireng," said FWK as quoted from a statement of position signed by FWK Founder Hendry Ch Bangun, FWK National Coordinator Raja Parlindungan Pane, and FWK Secretary Budi Nugraha.

FWK emphasized that the critical attitude of the press is part of the journalistic duty, not a sign of hostility towards the government. This task is regulated in Law Number 40 of 1999 concerning the Press, including carrying out the function of social control over state organizers.

According to FWK, criticism of the press is necessary so that the government works according to the rules and interests of the community. Therefore, differences of opinion between the government and the media should not be answered with derogatory terms.

FWK asked Prabowo to correct his statement to maintain the atmosphere of nationalism. The government is also asked to involve all elements of society in development, not to shrink or marginalize parties that are critical.