Two Convicted of Obstructing Journalists in Pati Sent to Prison
Two individuals convicted of obstructing journalistic work in Pati Regency have been sent to the Pati Class IIB Correctional Facility. The execution was carried out after the Central Java High Court issued an appeal ruling that upheld the four-month prison sentence for both defendants.
Based on monitoring on Sunday (28/7), the case has permanent legal force. The two convicts, Didik Kristiyanto and Hernan Quryanto, surrendered to the Pati District Prosecutor’s Office to serve their sentences.
Head of the Intelligence Section at the Pati Prosecutor’s Office, Rendra Yoki Pardede, confirmed that the execution process was conducted after the convicts completed standard procedures, including administration and health checks. “After the administrative process and health checks were completed, we sent the two convicts in the obstruction of journalistic work case in Pati Regency to the Pati Class IIB Correctional Facility to serve their sentences,” said Rendra Yoki Pardede.
Rendra explained that the appeal ruling at the Central Java High Court rejected the defendants’ appeal and instead strengthened the Pati District Court’s verdict. Previously, at a hearing on Monday (6/4/2026), the Pati District Court declared Didik and Hernan guilty of violating the law regarding obstruction of press duties.
“This case serves as an important lesson that journalists have rights protected by law in carrying out their duties of reporting and gathering information,” Rendra stressed.
The case originated from a violent incident experienced by two television journalists, Umar Hanafi and Mutia Parasti, while covering a Special Committee meeting on the impeachment of Pati Regent Sudewo on Thursday (4/9) last year. The committee had summoned the Chair of the Supervisory Board of RAA Soewondo General Hospital Pati, Torang Manurung. After the meeting, which was marked by a walk-out, a number of journalists attempted to conduct a doorstop interview in the lobby of the Pati DPRD building.
When Umar and Mutia tried to approach to seek confirmation, the two convicts, who were acting as bodyguards, took repressive action. They grabbed and dragged the two journalists backwards. As a result of this action, Mutia Parasti fell to the floor.
Refusing to accept the rough treatment and obstruction of their duties, the two journalists reported the incident to the police. The legal process continued until the two perpetrators were found guilty and must now be held accountable for their actions behind bars.