http://ajiindonesia.org/images/ilustrasi/represif.gif The Alliance of Independent Journalist (AJI) Indonesia regrets a civil defamation of Rp 10 billion filed by former Police Chief for South and West Sulawesi, Police Inspector General Sisno Adiwinoto against Jupriadi Asmaradhana (Upi), a former Metro-TV correspondent and a coordinator of the Coalition for Anti Press Criminalization Journalists in Makassar city.

 
AJI is of the opinion that Adiwinoto's action is against the freedom of expression and is an intimidation against press. “When one criticizes a (government) official but (he) is imprisoned or sued for billions of rupiah then public control by the people, including press, over the government's operation is battered,” said Nezar Patria, the Chairman of AJI Indonesia.
 
Earlier, Adiwinoto reported Jupriadi Asmaradhana to the Local Police Headquarter for breaching criminal articles concerning defamation (311, 315, and 207 of the Indonesian Penal Code) which may lead to a four years imprisonment – his case is currently being heard at the Makassar District Court. During the hearing process, Adiwinoto also filed a civil lawsuit against Jupriadi with a material penalty of 25 million, immaterial penalty of 10 billion rupiah, and dwangsom of 100 thousand per day. AJI is of the opinion that such civil defamation to support the criminal defamation of a state official against a citizen is an arbitrary act to silent and inflicts a financial loss to those criticizing the official.
 
"These lawsuits are fabricated and illogical,” said Nezar. Adiwinoto is a Police general who sues a journalist for expressing a different opinion. This 10 billion rupiah civil charge, added Nezar, does not reflect any proper conduct by a public official.
 
Adiwinoto's 10 billion rupiah civil lawsuit against Jupriadi is heard in Makassar District Court, on Tuesday (14/4).
 
As a comparison, on April 8, 2009 , a legislator candidate from Democrat Party, Edhie Baskoro, filed a criminal lawsuit against journalists of online media, Okezone, Jakarta Globe daily and Harian Bangsa daily to the Metro Jaya Police Headquarter for breaching article concerning defamation and slander for publishing articles about alleged money politics during a Legislative Election in Ponorogo ( East Java ). After being mediated by AJI and the Press Council, however, both the son of President SBY and the Democrat Party withdrew their report against the press ( 9/4/09 ), that such no criminal or civil charge is filed against press or journalists.
 
Defamation against the National Police

AJI Indonesia said that Adiwinoto's civil and criminal charges against Jupriadi will batter the Police's image and reputation, as a state agency which recently launches a bureaucracy reform by applying a “quick win” concept. One of bureaucracy reform principles encourages officials' transparency and improves public services. "Adiwinoto's action does not reflect the Police's spirit. Does the bureaucracy reform and public services include pressing criminal and civil charges against citizens who criticizes them?" asked Nezar Patria.
 
AJI, added Nezar, will report Adiwinoto's action to the Chief of National Police, the National Police Commission, and the President, for alleged abuse of power and breaching the state constitutions. AJI hopes that the National Police chief will take an immediate action against Adiwinoto who is currently the Chief of South Sumatra Police.
 
This press release is intended for publication by respective media. Thank you.
 
Jakarta, 15 April 2009

For further information:
1. Nezar Patria (Chairman of AJI Indonesia): 0811829135, Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it ;
2. Margiyono (Coordinator of the Advocacy Division of AJI Indonesia ): 08161370180, Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it