Media is ally in terror fight: Marty

Mass media has a crucial role in fighting terrorism, according to Foreign Minister Marty Natalegawa.

“In Indonesia we regard the mass media as a strong ally against extremism and radicalism,” Marty said during a media roundtable discussion in New York City on Monday, according to a statement sent to The Jakarta Post.

The media could excite, educate and enlighten the people, Marty said, as well as impart wisdom and mediate dialogs leading to mutual respect, cooperation and peace.

Marty said, for example, that Indonesia and Norway initiated the Global Inter-Media Dialog in 2006 following the publication of cartoons of the Prophet Muhammad that led to the deaths of 139 people in riots.

“Since then, this dialog has been promoting the freedom of expression, tolerance and cooperation among faiths and cultures” Marty said.