Vedro Imanuel Girsang, Jakarta – The Civil Society Coalition for Security Sector Reform has strongly condemned the intimidation of a journalist while covering an event involving the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI). The coalition argues that this incident adds to a troubling pattern of misconduct by national soldiers.
"This case adds to the bad record of the state actors in ensuring the sustainability of democracy," the coalition stated in their official release received by Tempo on Thursday, February 27, 2025.
According to the coalition, this event highlights the ongoing challenges faced by journalists who are hindered under the guise of security protocol. This behavior is a clear violation of Article 18, Paragraph (1) of Press Law No. 40 of 1999.
"All forms of intimidation and threats are obstacles to press work," the coalition emphasized.
The coalition believes that these intimidating actions further illustrate the state's failure to support the preservation of civil liberties. Consequently, the coalition is demanding decisive action from the relevant authorities to impose sanctions on those responsible for the intimidation.
"We urge the Military Police Detachment to take disciplinary and ethical action against TNI personnel who threaten and intimidate journalists," they declared.
The incident involved an aide to TNI Commander General Agus Subiyanto, who intimidated a journalist attempting to interview Agus at Bhayangkara Field, National Police Headquarters, Jakarta, on Thursday, February 27, 2025. The journalist sought to obtain information regarding the ongoing investigation into the TNI soldiers who attacked the Tarakan Police Residency in North Kalimantan.
Tempo reporters, who were present at the scene, witnessed the aide approach the journalist who had requested an interview with the TNI Commander. The aide questioned whether the journalist had received prior instructions before approaching the TNI's highest-ranking officer.
"What are you doing? Weren't you briefed?" the unidentified aide questioned.
The aide then continued the conversation with a threatening tone, saying, "I'll remember your face, I'll take you down."
The journalist who was intimidated by the TNI Commander's aide is Adhyasta Dirgantara from Kompas.com. At the time of the incident, approximately 30 journalists were present to cover the joint social service event of the National Police and TNI at Bhayangkara Field.
– Alif Ilham Fajriadi contributed to the writing of this article.