Journalists play a vital role in safeguarding the public’s right to information, and any attempt to silence or harm them is a direct attack on press freedom and democracy.

In the past week, the Alliance of Independent Journalists (AJI),  documented a series of violent attacks and intimidation against journalists covering protests across Indonesia. In Jakarta, journalists from Antara, Tempo, Jurnas.com, and TV One were beaten, intimidated, or arrested while reporting at the DPR Senayan building, Brimob Headquarters, and Polda Metro Jaya. In Bali, two reporters faced intimidation and violence by officials during protests at the police headquarters and local parliament. In Jambi, eight journalists were trapped during protests near the High Prosecutor’s Office, and the car of a Tribun Jambi editor was set on fire. A student journalist was also attacked with acid while reporting.

In addition, media outlets have faced censorship, including pressure to downplay coverage of the protests and restrictions on live-streaming. Such actions not only endanger journalists’ safety but also undermine independent reporting and the public’s access to reliable information.

CamboJA stands with our colleagues in Indonesia and call on the authorities to immediately end all forms of violence, intimidation, and obstruction against the media. 

We urge all parties to respect journalistic work and refrain from obstructing journalists in their reporting on protests.

A free and independent press is essential for transparency, accountability, and democracy. Protecting journalists means protecting the rights of all citizens to be informed.