Jakarta - Malaysian and Indonesian journalists should meet regularly to exchange ideas and increase understanding of issues affecting both countries to avoid misunderstanding, said a senior Indonesian journalist.
ANTARA chief executive officer Asro Kamal Rokan said to this end, a permanent forum had been proposed as it could go a long way towards improving ties.
"Although ties between the Malaysian and Indonesian leadership is at its best, this cannot be said of the the people-to-people relationship which is riddled with problems," said Asro who is also chief editor of the Indonesian national news agency.
He said despite efforts by the two governments, issues like Ambalat in the Sulawesi Sea, treatment of Indonesian workers and the haze had raised a lot of questions.
"We want the media of both countries to understand the issues at hand as what is reported is believed by the people.
"Misinterpretation by the media can lead to a lot of confusion," said Asro who recently led a group of Indonesian journalists to visit the Malaysian media recently.
The forum could be used to promote bilateral ties, news exchange and establish a direct communication link for the mass media to seek clarification from the two governments.
Asro said ANTARA and BERNAMA were willing to take up the challenge as clear understanding of issues would not have led to a demonstration against Malaysia over the Ambalat (Block ND) incident.
He added Indonesians should be exposed to the cooperation in economy, education and culture which had benefited both countries.
Meanwhile, BERNAMA editor-in-chief Yong Soo Heong said BERNAMA was prepared to work with ANTARA in establishing the forum to increase understanding of issues that affect both countries.
He said the need to increase understanding of the media was prompted by Indonesian media reports which stoked Indonesian sentiments by claiming that Malaysia was trying to seize Ambalat.
The recent alleged abuse of Indonesian maid Ceriyati who made headlines by climbing from the window of a 15 storey-condominium also led to a demonstration against Malaysia.
The Indonesian media had seized the issue and played it for more than one month.
The fact that Ceriyati was rescued by a fireman was mentioned only briefly while news that her employer was released on police bail was reported as if she had been released and was not prosecuted.
Source: www.bernama.com (23 Juli 2007)
