It's not easy these days to be an independent and neutral journalist in Padang. Before they can say anything, people normally ask cynically: "Who's paying you? Cemex or Semen Padang?

While this may be disheartening for dedicated journalists, the reality of the situation appears to be undeniable. As a result, the media in Padang now seem to be taking sides in reporting the saga of the proposed government sale of Semen Gresik, which consists of