Speaker threatens to sue over misleading news coverage

House Speaker Marzuki Alie says he will file a complaint about “misleading” coverage of his statement that alleged that the University of Indonesia (UI) and Gadjah Mada University produced many corrupt graduates.

"I plan to report the case to the Press Council on Monday, because what has been reported was different from my speech before UI academics," Marzuki told reporters on Friday.

Marzuki said that he would sue the offending media outlets for Rp 200 billion (US$21.8 million) if his complaint was upheld, adding that he would donate Rp 50 billion of that amount to improve journalism at the House.

The speaker declined to name specific media outlets that he might sue, saying: "I believe everyone here knows which ones I’m referring to.”

"The media must be reprimanded, otherwise it will go on delivering misleading messages," the Democratic Party politician said.