IFJ Demands Release of Foreign Journalists in Sumatra

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) joins the Alliance of Independent Journalists (AJI) in demanding the immediate release of two foreign journalists detained without explanation in Sumatra, Indonesia, yesterday.

AJI, an IFJ affiliate, reported that Kumkum Dasgupta, senior assistant editor of the Hindustan Times, and Raimondo Bultrini, a correspondent for Itallia L'Espresso, were detained in Pelalawan, Riau Province, yesterday afternoon alongside Greenpeace activists.

The pair were making a documentary on illegal logging, and were filming at the location of forest fires, in the company of environmental activists.

The journalists and activists were ordered to accompany police to the local police station, where they were still being held today, according to latest reports.

Police offered no explanation and no arrest warrants were issued.

Both journalists had journalists' permits issued by Indonesian authorities, and they informed police of this.

"Under Indonesia's Press Law, Article 4, journalists are protected in the conduct of their legitimate work and are free to gather and publish information accordingly," IFJ Asia-Pacific Director Jacqueline Park said.

"The IFJ calls on Indonesia's governing authorities to explain the law to local police in Pelalawan and to act immediately to ensure the prompt release of Dasgupta and Bultrini."

The journalists were detained with more than 30 activists. Police alleged the group had illegally entered the private property of Riau Andalan Pulp and Paper Ltd.

In 2007, the Southern Jakarta District Court awarded about US$150,000 to Riau Andalan Pulp and Paper after the company sued Koran Tempo for defamation following the paper's investigative reporting on illegal logging activity.

ENDS