After Nearly a Year, Bali Police Upgrade Investigation into Journalist Assault Case

The Bali Police Special Criminal Investigation Directorate (Ditreskrimsus) has officially upgraded the status of the violence case against detikBali journalist Fabiola Dianira to the investigation stage. The incident occurred while the journalist was covering a demonstration on 30 August 2025. The upgrade was confirmed in a Notice of Investigation Progress (SP2HP). Ignatius Rhadite, Head of Advocacy at LBH Bali, expressed cautious relief at the development, stating it was the result of consistent pressure from the Alliance of Independent Journalists (AJI) Denpasar and LBH Bali over nearly a year. He urged investigators to promptly identify and name the police officers suspected of committing the violence and obstructing journalistic work as suspects. Rhadite criticized the disproportionate response to the events of 30 August 2025, noting that while dozens of civilian protesters were swiftly arrested and prosecuted, the investigation into alleged police violence against a journalist has lagged significantly. Rizki Setyo, Advocacy Coordinator for AJI Denpasar, echoed these concerns, calling the case a stark reminder of the need for law enforcement to respect press freedom. He expressed hope that the upgraded status would lead to a swift resolution and the identification of suspects, as investigators are now believed to possess the names of the alleged perpetrators. Separately, AJI Denpasar Chairman Febri highlighted the significance of the case being pursued under the Press Law by the Special Criminal Investigation Directorate, after the General Criminal Investigation Directorate had previously terminated its inquiry. He stressed that ensuring press freedom is a key indicator of a healthy democracy and that the state must guarantee full protection for journalists to uphold the public’s right to information. Febri warned that the absence of legal consequences for those who attack journalists will only lead to repeated violence.