SIWO PWI Pusat Condemns Journalists’ Intimidation at Malut United vs PSM Makassar Match, Prepared to Report to the National Police Chief
Republika.co.id, Jakarta — The Sports Journalists Section (SIWO) of the Indonesian Journalists Association (PWI) central board strongly condemned the intimidation of several reporters covering the BRI Super League match between Malut United and PSM Makassar at Gelora Kie Raha Stadium (GKR), Ternate, North Maluku, on Saturday night (7 March 2026).
The incident occurred around 23:05 WIT after the match had ended. SIWO PWI regards the act as a serious violation of press freedom and the journalists’ rights guaranteed by law.
One of the journalists targeted was Irwan Djailani, a broadcaster for Radio Republik Indonesia (RRI) Ternate. He was approached and intimidated by a man believed to be an official of Malut United. Moreover, he was forced to delete video footage that formed part of his journalistic work.
Suryansyah, the General Chairman of SIWO PWI Pusat, emphasised that they would not remain silent in the face of such an incident.
‘I condemn the intimidation by the Malut United official against the covering journalist. This is not merely an unseemly act but a clear violation of the press freedom protected by law,’ Suryansyah said in a statement in Jakarta, on Sunday (8 March 2026).
He noted that journalists present on the field held official credentials from the competition organisers and were carrying out their journalistic duties legitimately.
‘No party has the right to block, threaten, or, even more, compel a journalist to delete their journalistic work,’ he asserted.
In addition to the intimidation of journalists, the same official was also reported to have instructed stewards to eject several reporters from the stadium stands, despite them having official identifying cards from the competition organisers.
SIWO regards such actions as obstructing journalism, which cannot be justified under any circumstances.
The stadium atmosphere even became tense. The official reportedly followed the refereeing team to the dressing room area, pounded on doors, and hurled insults and threats at the match officials.
As a result, the refereeing team had to remain in the dressing room for about one and a half hours and only left the stadium at 00:20 WIT after police and stewards ensured the situation was safe.
Asri Fabanyo, Chair of PWI North Maluku, also condemned the intimidation of journalists covering the event.
‘The actions of the Malut United boss are unjustifiable as they impede journalism protected by law,’ he said in a written statement received by Republika.co.id.
He stressed that the journalists covering the match had worked according to procedure and carried official identification cards from the organisers.
‘They worked in accordance with SOPs and are protected by Law Number 40 of 1999 on the Press. Therefore, any form of hindrance to journalists’ work constitutes a legal violation,’ he said.
SIWO PWI Pusat said it would immediately report the case to the Kapolri (Chief of the Indonesian National Police) and urged law enforcement authorities to follow up on the incident seriously.
Additionally, SIWO also asked PT I-League, the operator of the BRI Super League competition, to impose strict sanctions on the official from Malut United suspected of intimidation.
SIWO regards the incident as sullying the image of Indonesia’s professional football competition.
In its statement, SIWO PWI Pusat reminded all parties in the national football ecosystem—from club management and team officials to supporters and competition organisers—that journalist presence on the field is essential to maintain transparency and accountability in sport.
‘Journalists are not enemies; they are partners in advancing Indonesian sport,’ Suryansyah said.
SIWO PWI Pusat also called on all Indonesian sports journalists to not fear in carrying out their duties.
The organisation said it would continue to lead in protecting the safety and freedom of sports journalists across Indonesia and hopes such incidents do not recur.