Journalists Attacked in Indonesia

Journalists Attacked in Indonesia

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) has concerns for the safety of journalists in Indonesia following the attack on two journalists in Balikpapan by members of the Military Intelligence unit of the Indonesian Army.

“The use of violence and intimidation against journalists is a direct attack against freedom of the press,” said IFJ president Christopher Warren.

“Press freedom can not exist whilst journalists are forced to exist in conditions of fear or violence,” said Warren.

On November 11, 2005, Albertus Prayudia and Muhammad Hilmansyah from TV 7 were attacked while covering the evacuation of a nightclub after a fight broke out.

Prayudia and Hilmansyah were outside of Panisi’s Disco covering the guests leaving when members of the Indonesia Military Army (TNI) under the Military District’s Command (Kodam) VI Tanjung Pura pushed them from the ladder they were sitting on resulting in Prayudia bruising his shoulder and Hilmansyah injuring his knee.

The IFJ supports journalists from Balikpapan in their demand that the commander of VI Tanjung Pura launches an investigation into the incident and ensures those involved are brought to justice.

The IFJ welcomes the decision by the TNI commander to investigate the case and calls on the commander to ensure that his staff respect the right of journalists to report independently and free from attack.

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