AJI stated in a press release that it had received complaints from chief editors who strived to maintain newsroom integrity that there was suspicion that the summit had been orchestrated to fulfill the political interests of a particular party.

AJI also warned that given the circumstances, there was a great possibility for the forum to misuse its influence. Therefore, it went on, forum members should maintain their professionalism and
uphold the journalists' code of conduct.

The alliance also stated that it was expected that the forum would discuss problems involving journalists' welfare as well as boost the media's role as a fair and independent watchdog instead of becoming involved in issues that were irrelevant to journalistic tasks.

More than 200 chief editors from across the nation have gathered in Nusa Dua to attend the two-day forum. Numerous top businesspeople and state officials, such as Coordinating Economic Minister
Hatta Rajasa, Public Works Minister Djoko Kirmanto, State-Owned Enterprises Minister Dahlan Iskan, Central Bank Governor Agus Martowardojo and Pertamina state-owned oil company president director
Karen Agustiawan, are also attending the function.

Members of the forum have reportedly accepted various facilities, such as free business-class air tickets, hotel accommodations and various gifts from sponsor companies.

The Chief Editors Forum was established in July 2012 by approximately 50 chief editors in Jakarta. Wahyu Muryadi, chief editor of Tempo magazine, has been appointed as forum chief.(dic)

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