Indonesian Press to Keep Conducive Atmosphere During Election

Jakarta (Antara) - The Indonesian Press has expressed a commitment to keep a conducive atmosphere during the presidential election on July 9, 2014. The commitment made by Press Council Chairman Bagir Manan was witnessed by National Police Chief Sutarman, Indonesian Military (TNI) Commander Gen. Moeldoko, The Indonesian Journalists Association (PWI), The Indonesian Television Journalists Association (IJTI), and the Forum Pemred in the press council on Friday. Bagir said that Indonesian Press had committed to use press freedom for the interest of the public. "We, the Indonesian Press, commit to work professionally by upholding the principles and rules of journalism and journalistic code ethics, as well as respecting the law and democratic values," he asserted. Bagir said that the Indonesian Press will carry out the principles of accuracy, verification, and caution, especially on information that could cause splits or conflicts in the community, and avoid dissemination of slander and malice. A three-points commitment was signed by Press Council Chairman Bagir Manan, along with Board members of the press, Forum Pemred, the representative of The Indonesian Journalists Association (PWI), and The Indonesian Television Journalists Association (IJTI). Indonesia plans to hold a presidential election on July 9, which will be contested by two pairs, namely Prabowo Subianto with Hatta Rajasa as his running mate and Jokowi who pairs with Jusuf Kalla. (*)