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Indonesian delegation at the Melanesian Leaders Summit in Port Villa. Photo/ RNZ Pacific / Kelvin Anthony
WELLINGTON – A Radio New Zealand journalist says an Indonesian government official attempted to bribe and intimidate him at the recent 22nd meeting of Melanesian Spearhead Group leaders in Port Vila.
The Indonesian government responded on Monday (4/9/2023) saying that it would “definitely consider” the claim.
RNZ journalist Kelvin Anthony was in Port Vila to cover the MSG Leaders Summit two weeks ago when he was offered a “gift” after an exclusive interview with Indonesia’s Ambassador to Australia, Siswo Pramono.
“I was offered an exclusive interview with the Indonesian Ambassador to Australia at the MSG meeting after being told earlier this week by Ardi Nuswantoro that his government did not like what RNZ published about West Papua and that it was not balanced,” he said, reported by RNZ.
“I assured delegates that RNZ is making every effort to be balanced and fair and we want to side with Indonesia too, but we need the opportunity to speak openly.”
After communicating face to face and online via WhatsApp – SMS and call records seen by RNZ, Anthony came to the Holiday Inn Resort at 12.00 for an interview on Wednesday, August 23.
“I interviewed Pramono to discuss a series of broad questions including human rights issues in West Papua, the MSG meeting, and Newsdelivers.com’s intentions in the Pacific, which lasted more than 40 minutes,” said Anthony.
“I think I conducted an exclusive interview that produced a powerful story from the meeting that touched on sensitive but relevant issues involving Indonesia, West Papua and the Pacific issue.”
Anthony said he was ushered out of the waiting room at the end of the interview and accompanied by at least three Indonesian officials.