Dani Aswara – The Indonesian Photojournalists Association (PFI Jakarta) has strongly condemned the act of violence experienced by Antara photojournalist, Bayu Pratama S., while covering a mass protest near the House of Representatives (DPR) building on Monday, August 25, 2025. Bayu was hit by the police while documenting the police action to disperse the crowd.
PFI Jakarta views the violence experienced by Bayu as a serious attack on press freedom. The organization stated, "Physical assault and intimidation against journalists are a threat to democracy and violate Law Number 40 of 1999 concerning the Press," in their official statement.
Bayu recounted that he was repeatedly struck with a police baton despite wearing press identification. "Even though I had brought two cameras and was wearing an ID card," he said as quoted from Antara on Monday, August 25, 2025.
He attempted to block the blows with his hand, but the strikes hit the camera he was using for work. The camera was damaged, while his left hand suffered minor injuries.
As a professional organization, PFI Jakarta declared three stances. Firstly, urging the police to thoroughly investigate the case of violence and impose sanctions on the perpetrators. Secondly, requesting media offices to ensure the safety of journalists in the field by establishing standard procedures for handling cases of violence against media workers. Thirdly, encouraging the public and public officials to respect journalistic work and refrain from intimidation.
PFI Jakarta emphasizes that protecting journalists is part of safeguarding the public's right to obtain accurate information. "Incidents of violence against journalists must not be allowed," wrote PFI Jakarta.
This case adds to the long list of violence against journalists in Indonesia, which often occurs during coverage of mass actions. PFI Jakarta stated that repressive actions by authorities risk silencing the press freedom guaranteed by the constitution.
Bayu regrets the repressive actions of the security forces, which failed to distinguish journalists from demonstrators. Bayu also urges the authorities to receive education about the work of photojournalists to prevent similar incidents from recurring.
"I hope the authorities truly take steps to protect the work of photojournalists in the field. I am awaiting evidence and goodwill from the police, especially the Jakarta Metropolitan Police, to thoroughly investigate the perpetrators and impose legal sanctions," he said in the official statement from PFI Jakarta.