Naomi Robson, journalist.I wonder if Indonesia realise the enormity of the mistake they have made in arresting Naomi Robson and the Today Tonight crew on charges of entering West Papua on tourist, rather than journalist, visas? Don't be fooled by the television cameras, guys; Today Tonight are about as far from being journalists as Kerry O'Brien is from being the sultry host of a nightly tabloid TV programme.
On the one hand, I have to agree with the sentiments expressed by the SMH, that Today Tonight must have been morons to think that five journalists could waltz into West Papua carrying cameras (and possibly a large luxury campervan full of makeup) and not be noticed by the Indonesians. The idea is pretty laughable.
On the other hand, it appears that Today Tonight was about to try its hand at a real story on a very serious situation in West Papua that needs to be brought to the attention of all Australians, and I don't want to knock them for that. After this episode they might just figure it's easier to go chasing the lastest fast cure for flab than real stories.
The head of the Indonesian Foreign Ministry Imron Cotan claims that journalists are allowed to enter West Papua, but as the SMH points out, the Herald last year became the first Australian news organisation permitted to enter West Papua in two years.
The Indonesians have plenty to hide in West Papua, and keeping a tight rein on journalists is a part of that process. Good on Today Tonight for trying, even if they went about it all the wrong way.
UPDATE: Cannibals? WTF? See here for more.
4 comments:
I know what you mean. I had to laugh; any other news organisation, and I would be criticising the government to the hilt, but this is just too precious.
It's been making my morning, fantasising about Naomi locked up in a cell with some kind of trans-gender hulk named Conchita and a floor covered in soap and shivs.
Don't worry about coverage, I'm sure Naomi managed to pack a gigantic fucking cross in that suitcase, and the truth-defending Today Tonight team are no doubt already nailing themselves to it.
It's the same whitey arrogance that saw Richard 'Caviar Chillbin' Carlton front up to East Timorese at the voting booth and asked how they voted as surly machette wielding militia watched on...
The Indonesians have plenty to hide in West Papua
Like . . . all those cannibals?
Hehe I was just posting on that!
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