Unspun

if you've wondered why things are such a muddle in Indonesia, today's page 2 of The Jakarta Post is a good example. The page lead, headlined "NU opposed to formalization of Islam" is based on an interview with Hasyim Muzadi, chairman of the 40-million strong Nadlathul Ulama. The group is one of the two largest in Indonesia and is regarded as moderate.

Asked about the NU's views about groups committing violence in the name of religion, Hasyim said that the police should crack down on these groups. Then he said something quite remarkable: that these groups "are strong because they have the backing of political leaders in both the Cabinet and House of Representatives".

Wait a minute here. The leader of one of the largest Muslim organizations claims that militant organizations are being backed up by members of the Cabinet and Parliament? This should be front page news. Hasyim should be asked to name the Cabinet and Parliament members. The reporters then should approach the named Cabinet and Parliamentary members and ask whether it is true they are backing these hoodlums. If yes, why. If no, what is their public stance about them?

But the standard of journalism in Indonesia is such that such a serious allegation receives a one sentence treatment. There were no efforts at getting Hasyim to elaborate or name names. And no investigative journalism whatsoever.

No wonder things are always such a muddle in Indonesia. Journalism here fails to capture the 5Ws of a story.