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📍 Jakarta, Indonesia — The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has called on Indonesian authorities to investigate a series of assaults, threats, and acts of intimidation against journalists covering nationwide protests that erupted on August 25. The demonstrations, sparked by grievances over low wages, tax hikes, and legislative pay increases, reportedly led to at least eight deaths and widespread unrest across the country.
According to the Alliance of Independent Journalists (AJLI), at least 16 journalists have reported being physically attacked, verbally threatened, or obstructed by police and government affiliates while reporting on the protests. Notable incidents include the assault of Bayu Pratama, a photojournalist for a state news agency, and Rovin Bou, an internet journalist in Bali, both of whom were targeted despite displaying press credentials.
Rights groups, including Reporters Without Borders (RSF) and Amnesty International, have condemned the attacks and warned of a deteriorating climate for press freedom in Indonesia. The country has dropped 16 places in the 2025 RSF World Press Freedom Index, now ranking 127th out of 180 nations.
RSF’s Asia-Pacific Director, Cédric Alviani, urged President Prabowo Subianto to take immediate action, stating that law enforcement agencies are “violating the public’s right to reliable information” by targeting journalists. He called for accountability and safeguards to ensure media professionals can operate safely.
Indonesia’s National Police have not responded to requests for comment. The incidents underscore ongoing concerns about press freedom and the treatment of journalists during periods of political unrest.
Excerpts from jurist.org article by Nova Kruijning | Erasmus School of Law, NL
