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Media 'contribute to' growing sectarianism
The media’s role in protecting multiculturalism and pluralism in the country is at a crossroads, as some publications are believed to be endorsing religious fundamentalism.
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Peace talks: Palu State Islamic Institute (IAIN) rector Zainal Abidin (center) speaks in front of local priests to discuss efforts to curb growing intolerance in the region. (JP/Ruslan Sangadji)
T
he media’s role in protecting multiculturalism and pluralism in the country is at a crossroads, as some publications are believed to be endorsing religious fundamentalism.
Human rights advocates say the media has encouraged anti-democratic moves by publishing reports on religion-motivated incidents without covering different perspectives.
“The media lacks a sense of responsibility,” human rights lawyer Todung Mulya Lubis told a discussion in Jakarta on Friday. Todung explained that such irresponsibility could be seen from the absence of the endorsement of law enforcement in stories of religion-motivated violence, which is rampant in the country.
“Covering both sides is of course important. But, we must remember that the spirit of reporting [religious violence] is to call for law enforcement,” Todung said. “All media need to self-criticize and reexamine the purpose of their publishing”.
Activist MM Billah concurs. The former commissioner of the National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM) has called on the media to highlight poor law enforcement as well as corrupt behavior that has consequently hampered the full implementation of human rights in the country.
“And this applies to the activists as well as institution in charge of upholding human rights in the country,” he said. (evi)
