INTERVIEW Any government that fears criticism will present a danger to the media and the nation at large, a prominent Indonesian media activist warns.

Ahmad Taufik Jufry, who founded the Jakarta-based Independent Journalists Alliance, said the principle applies to both the government of the day and its opposition looking to form the new ruling government.

"Criticism should be directed to all - to the government, opposition, and even the people.

"Press freedom is not just about interest of the media, but the interest of the nation, for a better future," Taufik told Malaysiakini in an interview last week.