A senior journalist has suggested the Government needs the help of an international public relations firm to counter unfavourable foreign press reports. 'Measures should be taken not only to correct [such reports], but also to provide more information for the foreign press which may be misinformed about - or misunderstand - Indonesia,' said Handjojo Nitimihardjo, the chief editor of the official news agency Antara. Speaking to legislators from the parliamentary committee responsible for information, security and political affairs, Mr Handjojo said a concerted campaign was needed. 'We need a project exclusively dedicated to the job,' he was quoted as saying in the English language Jakarta Post. 'Hire an international public relations firm, if necessary.' Indonesia has taken a regular beating abroad, particularly for its 1975 invasion of East Timor and social and political turmoil in other provinces such as Irian Jaya. Armed forces legislator Aminullah Ibrahim suggested Antara reports be sent to Indonesian embassies to help counter 'fabricated' reports on East Timor. But deputy executive editor of Antara, Makiwawu said the media should not have sole responsibility for touting Indonesia. 'It should not only depend on the press or the Antara news agency - there must be a new body to promote public relations,' Mr Makiwawu said. Mr Handjojo did point out, however, that Antara had the situation well in hand within Indonesia. The agency carefully selected and edited all foreign reports it distributed to its customers, he said. Of the 1,600 foreign and 250 local reports it had access to every day, it published only 80, he said. The director of information for the Department of Foreign Affairs, Ghaffar Fadyl, said there was nothing new in the public relations idea. 'I think a lot of countries are using public relations firms, including among others Portugal,' Mr Ghaffar said of Indonesia's arch-rival on the East Timor issue. 'I think he [Mr Handjojo] was just speaking his mind.'
