Protect Freedom of the Press

PHOTO BY JOHANNES EISELE / AFP

( In this file photo taken on September 24, 2019 UN Secretary General António Guterres speaks at the 74th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

UN secretary-general Antonio Guterres has called on all governments to protect journalists, fight impunity and strengthen the freedom of the press.

The call of the UN secretary-general was conveyed at the closing of the 2020 World Press Freedom Conference on 10 December. Guaranteed freedom of the press is the key to dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic. A free press can provide credible information and help citizens sort out the facts and truths of information regarding the pandemic.

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Journalists who are at the frontlines in providing credible information must be guaranteed their freedom and labor rights. There is no freedom of the press if journalists are not free to carry out journalistic activities. It is almost impossible to have a professional and free press if the journalists are not safe. However, research by the Institute for Criminal Justice Reform, the Press Legal Aid Institute (LBH) and the Indonesia Judicial Research Society suggested that Indonesian journalists are facing a critical situation amid this pandemic. Many journalists have experienced physical and nonphysical attacks while carrying out their duties, with some relating to the pandemic.

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The health and economic rights of journalists are also of concern. Most journalists are still expected to go to the field and generally are without adequate medical equipment, so they are vulnerable to COVID-19. The crisis caused by the pandemic, which has greatly impacted media companies, has also impacted their journalists (Kompas, 22/1/2021).

KOMPAS/RADITYA HELABUMI

Activists of the Community Alliance for Democratic Justice rally to express their rejection of the Criminal Code Bill bill in front of the House of Representatives in Senayan, Jakarta, on Monday (16/9/2019). They called for the planned passage of the bill to be halted, because the draft contains several controversial stipulations that they say threaten the freedom of speech.

The pandemic has become a “perfect storm” in affecting the freedom of the press. State officials have the responsibility to protect the press. The government’s decision to bear value-added tax on imported newspapers and magazines is a positive step to support the survival of the press.

Press circles are still waiting for the government’s initiative to thoroughly investigate cases of violence against journalists and to stop the practice of impunity. Expectations rest primarily on National Police chief candidate Comr. Gen. Listyo Sigit Prabowo. Data from LBH Press and the Independent Journalists of Indonesia Alliance show that violence against journalists was mostly perpetrated by police officers.

Law enforcement and protection of the press and journalists should be in accordance with Law No. 40/1999 concerning the press. The implementation of the Electronic Information and Transactions Law in this context is a form of criminalization against the press and journalists.

Also read: Comr. Gen. Listyo Sigit: No More Partiality in Legal Action

The pandemic, which has also given birth to what might be termed an “infodemic”, should be the basis for the state to stop things that hamper the freedom of the press. Protecting journalists and strengthening the freedom of the press will help the press carry out its role in ensuring that public information is accurate, trusted, verified and accessible. This is an important step in dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic.

Kompas/Heru Sri Kumoro

House Commission III chairman Herman Hery (center) poses for a photograph along with National Police chief Gen. Idham Azis (right) and National Police chief candidate Comr. Gen. Listyo Sigit Prabowo before a confirmation hearing at the House of Representatives building in Senayan, Jakarta, on Wednesday (20/1/2021).

The press must also be managed professionally to ensure quality journalism, as well as protecting journalists and their work. Press freedom belongs to the public.

(This article was translated by Kesya Adhalia).