KKJ Aceh regrets repressive actions by security forces against journalists during JKA protest
Banda Aceh - The Aceh Journalists’ Safety Committee (KKJ Aceh) regrets the alleged repressive actions by security forces against three journalists while covering the demonstration rejecting the Aceh Health Assurance Regulation (JKA) at the Aceh Governor’s Office on Wednesday night (13/5).
“At least three journalists experienced intimidation, forced deletion of journalistic documentation, and confiscation of work equipment when security forces dispersed the crowd,” said KKJ Aceh Coordinator Rino Abonita in Banda Aceh on Thursday.
From reports received by KKJ, the three journalists allegedly intimidated by the security forces are CNN Indonesia journalist Dani Randi, AJNN reporter Julinar Nora Novianti, and Waspada journalist Hulwa Dzakira.
Rino explained that the CNN Indonesia journalist faced intimidation while trying to escape the chaos around the Aceh Governor’s Office when security forces dispersed the crowd using water cannons and tear gas.
Based on the chronology provided, Rino said, at that time he was running towards the sheltered area of the Aceh Multifunction Building (Balee Meuseuraya Aceh or BMA) to avoid tear gas while preparing his coverage report using his tablet.
“Regardless of the victim’s explanation as a journalist, the security forces still attempted to seize the work equipment and demanded the deletion of photos and videos from the coverage,” he stated.
KKJ Aceh also received reports that two female journalists from AJNN and Waspada media outlets experienced similar treatment.
They were forced to delete photos and videos taken while covering the alleged repressive actions by security forces against the crowd in the area of the Aceh Governor’s Office.
In fact, security forces reportedly made several statements that “the press does not apply in that place”.
KKJ Aceh reiterates that journalistic work products are protected by law and cannot be forcibly deleted or censored by any party.
“Forcing journalists to delete documentation is a form of modern censorship that contradicts the principles of press freedom,” he said.
In addition, KKJ Aceh also reaffirms Article 4 paragraph 2 of the Press Law prohibiting censorship, banning, or prohibition of broadcasting against the press.
Furthermore, obstructing journalistic work can be charged under Article 18 paragraph 1 of the Press Law with a penalty of two years’ imprisonment or a fine of Rp500 million.
In response to this incident, KKJ Aceh condemns all forms of violence against journalists, urges security forces to respect journalistic work, and calls on the Aceh Police Chief, Marzuki Ali Basyah, to take action against members involved in the alleged intimidation and violence against reporters.
“KKJ Aceh also requests that the police immediately carry out legal proceedings and identify the security forces involved in the repressive actions against journalists during the coverage of the action,” he said.
On this occasion, KKJ also reminds that parties who feel aggrieved by a journalistic product should use the right of reply or right of correction mechanisms as regulated in the Press Law and journalistic code of ethics.
“We also urge journalists to continue to adhere to the journalistic code of ethics in carrying out their duties and ask victims of violence to immediately report any form of intimidation experienced during the coverage process,” said Rino Abonita.
Previously, a student demonstration from various universities in Aceh, united under the Aceh People’s Alliance (ARA) at the Governor’s Office, ended in chaos, with police forcibly dispersing the protesters using water cannons and tear gas on Wednesday night (13/5).