SIWO PWI Pusat condemns intimidation by Malut United officials against journalists
Intimidation of journalists is a threat to democracy and the public’s right to information.
Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Sports Journalists Section (SIWO) of the Indonesian Journalists Association (PWI Pusat) expressed deep concern and strongly condemned the intimidation experienced by several journalists covering the BRI Super League match between Malut United and PSM Makassar at Gelora Kie Raha Stadium (GKR) in Ternate, North Maluku.
“We strongly condemn the intimidation actions carried out by Malut United officials against the journalist covering the event. This is not merely an indecent act; it is a real violation of press freedom protected by law,” said Suryansyah, Chairman of SIWO PWI Pusat, in a written statement received in Jakarta on Sunday.
“Journalists present on the field held official credentials and were performing legitimate journalistic duties. No party has the right to obstruct, threaten, or, even more, force them to delete their journalistic work.”
“One of the journalists who became a victim was Irwan Djailani of Radio Republik Indonesia (RRI) Ternate (alias Bradex), who was approached, intimidated, and forced to delete video footage that was a legitimate part of his journalistic work. The actions were carried out by a man suspected to be an official of Malut United.”
“Not stopping at intimidation of journalists, the same official also asked stewards to eject several journalists from the stands area, even though the journalists had official ID cards issued by the competition organiser BRI Super League.”
“This act is seen as a concrete form of obstructing journalistic work and cannot be justified under any circumstances.”
“SIWO PWI Pusat will not stay silent. We will file this matter officially to the Chief of Police and urge law enforcement to take the incident seriously,” said Suryansyah.
“We also urge PT I-League to promptly impose strict sanctions on the individuals concerned.”
“Intimidation of journalists is a threat to democracy and the public’s right to information. We will continue to stand at the forefront to protect every Indonesian sports journalist in carrying out their duties,” continued Suryansyah.
“The actions of the Malut United boss cannot be justified as they impede journalistic work protected by law. I support SIWO PWI Pusat’s letter to the Chief of Police to pursue the alleged intimidation,” said Asri Fabanyo.
He emphasised that the journalists covering the match carried official identity cards issued by the competition organisers.
They were working on the field in accordance with the SOP and protected by Law No. 40 of 1999 on the Press. Therefore, any form of hindrance to journalists’ work is a legal violation. We are furious with the attitude and actions of the Malut United boss,” said Asri.
Beyond SIWO PWI Pusat, PSSI Pers also strongly condemned the intimidation of journalists covering the Malut United vs PSM Makassar match at Gelora Kie Raha Stadium on Saturday (7/3).
PSSI Pers asserts that journalistic work is protected by Law No. 40 of 1999 on the Press. Therefore, any form of intimidation, threats, or attempts to hinder journalists’ duties constitute a criminal offence that can be prosecuted.
“People in the press have an important role in the football ecosystem and must be able to carry out their journalistic duties freely, safely, and without pressure from any party,” PSSI Pers wrote in a social media post on Sunday.
“We urge all parties, including supporters, clubs, and team officials, to respect journalists’ work and uphold professionalism to create a healthy, open, and respectful football climate.”