Indonesian Radio Station Off Air After Mob Attack

RADIO STATION OFF AIR AFTER MOB ATTACK

Radio Republic of Indonesia, Jakarta, in Indonesian 0700 gmt 31 Jan 00

The Fakfak station [in Papua Province] of Radio Republik Indonesia [RRI] has been off the air since local youths committed brutal acts [last Friday, 28th January]. RRI Jayapura Correspondent Gregorius Rumbino has filed a full report.

[Rumbino] The RRI Fakfak station has been off the air since last Friday when a mob severely damaged its building and vital equipment.

When contacted by telephone from Jayapura [Papua provincial capital] last night, RRI Fakfak station caretaker Aloys Ngotra confirmed that a group of youths committed the acts of destruction.

The youths insisted that the station broadcast a statement opposing the provincial government and cancel the planned airing of a provincial government statement on the acceptance of new civil servants.

RRI employees held tough negotiations with the youths. RRI adamantly refused to broadcast the youths' statement. In fact, this had far-reaching consequences. A mob later committed acts of destruction at the RRI Fakfak station.

The building, including the studio, was severely damaged. Two RRI employees were seriously injured. They are being treated at the Fakfak District General Hospital.

This is Gregorius Rumbino reporting from Jayapura.

+++niuswire

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