East Jakarta Court Permits Live Broadcast of Doctor Tifa's Trial

The East Jakarta District Court (PN Jaktim) has granted permission for journalists to conduct a live broadcast of the first hearing for Tifauzia Tyassuma, also known as Doctor Tifa, who is charged with alleged defamation and slander concerning the authenticity of former President Joko Widodo’s diplomas. The trial is scheduled for Thursday (2/7) at 09:00 Western Indonesia Time.

Immanuel Tarigan, the spokesperson for the East Jakarta District Court, stated on Wednesday that the media would be allowed to broadcast the proceedings live during the reading of the indictment and several other stages. However, he clarified that not all parts of the trial could be aired. In accordance with criminal procedure regulations, live coverage will be prohibited during the evidentiary hearing stage to ensure that witnesses provide testimony without hearing each other’s statements.

Live broadcasts will be permitted during the reading of the indictment, the presentation of the defendant’s exception (objection) if submitted, and the reading of the interim decision. The reading of the sentencing demands, the defence plea (pledoi), and the final verdict may also be broadcast. During the evidentiary stage, media personnel are allowed to cover the proceedings but are strictly forbidden from live streaming.

Furthermore, members of the public seated in the courtroom gallery are not permitted to conduct their own live streams. They are only allowed to observe the trial proceedings quietly. To accommodate public interest, the court has prepared two tents and television screens outside the courtroom so that people can follow the trial.