Indonesia: CPJ seeks investigation into fatal stabbing of journalist

New York, May 15, 2006–The Committee to Protect Journalists calls on Indonesian authorities to fully investigate the recent killing of Indonesian journalist Herliyanto, a freelance reporter with the Radar Surabaya, Delta Post, and Jimber News newspapers.
Herliyanto, who like many Indonesians goes by one name, was found dead with numerous stab wounds on April 29 in a wooded area near the town of Banyuanyar in East Java province, the Alliance of Independent Journalists (AJI) reported. Little has been publicly reported on the killing, which occurred in a remote area. CPJ continues to investigate the case.

AJI, considered an authoritative local source, has gathered information indicating that Herliyanto was investigating corruption allegations involving school construction funds in the village of Tulupari. AJI recently sent a fact-finding mission to the area, and local police have indicated they will conduct an independent investigation into the case.

“We condemn the murder of our colleague Herliyanto and urge the national authorities to quickly and fully investigate the circumstances surrounding his brutal murder,” said Ann Cooper, CPJ’s executive director.