Jakarta – A journalism professional group has slammed Jakarta Governor Basuki Tjahaja Purnama, or Ahok, after he expelled a local media reporter, saying the move is a threat to press freedoms in Indonesia.

Journalists questioned Basuki at City Hall on Thursday over rumors swelling around Teman Ahok, a volunteer group supporting the governor's independent run for reelection at next year's election, received funds from developers of the allegedly graft-tainted North Jakarta reclamation project.

Basuki turned on an online reporter after he asked a question the governor deemed was aimed at "spinning" his answer and expelled the reporter from his office.

City Hall is a public space where reporters have the right to carry out their duties, the Alliance of Independent Journalists (AJI) warned, citing the 1999 law on the press.

"When Ahok expelled the reporter from his duty post, it's the same as undermining the public rights to information from City Hall," AJI head Ahmad Nurhasim said on Friday (17/06). "City Hall is not Ahok's. His moves are a threat to freedom of the press."

According to AJI, Thursday's incident also indicated the governor, widely known for his outspoken, no-nonsense style of leadership, is unable to deal with journalists professionally.

"Even the hardest and unruliest question could actually be answered without having to expel the reporter," Ahmad said. "If Ahok objects to certain news, please report it to the Press Council."

Source: http://jakartaglobe.beritasatu.com/news/ahok-blasted-scolding-expelling-reporter-city-hall-drama/