Slain journalist’s son gets scholarship

AMBON, Maluku: The three-year-old son of slain SUNTV reporter Ridwan Salamun was given a government scholarship on Friday at the office of Maluku Governor Karel Albert Ralahalu.

Ridwan’s widow, Nurfi Saoda Toisuta, accepted the scholarship on behalf of her son, M. Rizky Zaky, from Amril Buamona, who is President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono’s special staff assistant for regional development and autonomy.

“We will continue to monitor this case’s progress through the legal system,” Amril said. “The police are handling the case. We can’t intervene in the legal process.”

Ridwan was killed while covering a clash between Fiditan and Banda Ely villagers in Tual city, Maluku, on Aug. 21.

Karel said he had just returned from customary ritual in Tual to end the conflict, which was attended by tribal and community leaders in the region.

The police will thoroughly investigate the case, Karel said. — JP