Makassar – Two journalists have been attacked by a motorcycle gang in Makassar, South Sulawesi, in an incident that is likely to draw further attention to the unsafe conditions journalists face.

Endi, a contributor to TransTV, and Harun, a Fajar TV journalist, became victims of a brutal attack allegedly by a motorcycle gang when they were returning to their offices after covering their beat early Thursday.

"I was stabbed twice by several members of a motorcycle gang on Jl. Urip Sumoharjo. They also stole my camera and cell phone," said Endi at Bhayangkara Hospital, Makassar, on Thursday, as quoted by Antara news agency. He was stabbed in the thigh.

The incident happened when the two journalists were on Jl. Urip Sumoharjo at around 3:40 a.m. local time Thursday, after visiting a number of police stations to collect news.

Endi said he and Harun were returning to their offices when they were confronted by men on motorcycles at the three-way intersection of Urip Sumoharjo and Masjid Raya.

"They blocked our way and attacked both of us. Harun escaped by abandoning his motorcycle and running away while I was stabbed twice in the thigh," said Endi, adding that they could do nothing as the gang members were armed with various sharp weapons such as badik (traditional knife from South Sulawesi), arrows and slingshots, as well as makeshift firearms.

The South Sulawesi branch of the Alliance of Independent Journalists' (AJI) head, Jumadi Mappanganro, deplored the assault. "The police must investigate and arrest the perpetrators because they not only cause public unrest but also endanger lives," he said. (asw/ebf)