Andita Rahma, Jakarta – The Press Council appreciated the National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo who apologized and revoked the telegram letter regarding the internal media coverage of police.

Head of Complaints and Press Ethics Enforcement Commission of the council, Arif Zulkifli, reminded the police to be more careful in issuing regulations.

"Because, even though for internal purposes, the revoked telegram letter potentially limits press freedom. Regional police chiefs and police apparatus in regions can practice it differently," said Arif in a written statement on Wednesday, April 7, 2021.

The Press Council, he added, always opens to dialogue with the police. "The Press Council can also facilitate discussions with constituents of the press council and other press communities in order to achieve a common understanding of the importance of press freedom in democracy," Arief remarked.

The National Police Chief issued a telegram numbered ST/750/IV/HUM/3.4.5/2021 dated April 5, 2021, instructing its internal media institution to not publish footage of officers that show acts of arrogance and violence but acts that put forth humanistic yet firm approaches.

The police head of public information bureau Brig. Gen. Rusdi Hartono clarified that the letter was intended for the police's internal media unit. "To provide guidelines and instructions for officials of regional public relations," he said.

Source: https://en.tempo.co/read/1450025/press-council-asks-police-to-be-careful-in-issuing-rules-on-pres