Restrictions on Magdalene's Content Regarding KontraS Activist Case Deemed to Threaten Press Freedom
The Ministry of Communication and Digital (Komdigi) has responded to the restriction of news content from Magdalene on the social media platform Instagram. The restriction was imposed following an official complaint from the public who considered the content to contain disinformation and provocative material.
In addition, Komdigi carried out the restriction because Magdalene’s Instagram account is not verified. Furthermore, Magdalene is not registered as a mass media outlet with the Press Council, so Komdigi is deemed entitled to restrict their content.
Coordinator of the Journalists’ Safety Committee (KKJ), Erick Tanjung, considers Komdigi’s reasons to be highly misguided. This is because Magdalene is a press company with legal entity status. This means that the handling of journalistic content must be carried out through press mechanisms.
He explained that Law No. 40 of 1999 on the Press states that protection for media is provided to media with legal entity status. There is no requirement that media must be verified or registered with the Press Council.
“Well, when they mention it is not verified, that is a misguided statement. So, media that is not yet verified,” he said when confirmed by Republika on Wednesday (8/4/2026).
Erick assessed that Magdalene’s lack of registration with the Press Council cannot serve as a basis for Komdigi to restrict their content. The restriction carried out by Komdigi constitutes a form of legal violation by the government.
“Well, that is certainly a violation committed by the government. This becomes a bad precedent. This is dangerous for press independence,” he stated.
He added that the media, which focuses on women’s issues, is also registered as a member of the Indonesian Cyber Media Association (AMSI), which is essentially a constituent of the Press Council. This means the government must recognise Magdalene’s existence as a mass media outlet.
“This means this is a serious issue,” he said.
Deputy General Chairman of AMSI, Suwarjono, stated that Magdalene is one of his association’s members. He added that Magdalene is also a media outlet with legal entity status and produces professional, responsible journalistic works.
“The reason for the takedown because the media is not yet verified is an administrative reason, not testing the content or substantive,” he said to Republika on Wednesday.
AMSI is also said to have brought the matter to the Press Council. The issue is deemed to be discussed by the Press Council.