Media groups decry intimidation, assaults, and restrictions during nationwide protests in late August 2025

Indonesia’s Alliance of Independent Journalists (AJI) has strongly condemned escalating violence, intimidation, and interventions against journalists covering nationwide protests between August 25–30, 2025. The organization warns that press freedom and democracy are at serious risk.

A Dangerous Week for the Press

AJI reported a disturbing rise in violence during the late August protests, when demonstrations across Jakarta and other provinces turned chaotic, with looting and clashes. Journalists, instead of being protected, became targets of intimidation and assault—often by law enforcement officers.

Mounting Cases of Violence

From January 1 to August 31, 2025, AJI recorded at least 60 cases of violence against journalists and media outlets. These included physical assaults, harassment, intimidation, digital attacks on news websites, and hacking of social media accounts. Most perpetrators were allegedly members of the police and military.

Recent incidents included:

• August 25, Senayan (Jakarta): Antara photojournalist Bayu Pratama S assaulted while covering protests at the DPR building.
• August 28, Kwitang (Jakarta): Two photojournalists from Tempo and Antara beaten by unidentified individuals near Mako Brimob.
• August 28, Senayan (Jakarta): Jurnas.com reporter intimidated while filming clashes.
• August 30, Jambi: Two Tribun Jambi journalists trapped inside the prosecutor’s office during riots; their company vehicle set ablaze.
• August 31, Jakarta: A TV One journalist arrested, beaten, and intimidated while livestreaming. A student press reporter was attacked with acid outside Polda Metro Jaya.

Interventions and Media Restrictions

Beyond violence, AJI highlighted attempts by authorities to restrict reporting. Several newsrooms were pressured to produce “peaceful” and “calming” coverage, while others were discouraged from live-streaming demonstrations. AJI warned that such measures amount to censorship, undermining the role of the press to provide accurate, independent information.

Echoes of the Past

AJI compared the current repression to practices during Indonesia’s New Order era, when media faced systematic silencing. “Journalists and credible reporting are society’s last defense against hoaxes and disinformation. Press freedom is not negotiable—it is a prerequisite for democracy,” said AJI chairperson Nany Afrida.

AJI’s Demands

The organization urged immediate action:

• Fully investigate cases of violence against journalists.
• Prosecute all perpetrators, including security forces.
• End restrictions and censorship of news coverage.
• Guarantee journalists’ rights as protected under Law No. 40 of 1999 on the Press.
• Respect the press as an essential part of democracy and civil rights.

Broader Implications

As public trust in traditional media erodes under pressure, many Indonesians turn to unverified social media sources, fueling misinformation. For neighboring Singapore and the region, the crisis underscores the fragility of press freedom in Southeast Asia, raising concerns about transparency, stability, and human rights.

The late-August protests have exposed deep fractures in Indonesia’s democracy, with journalists caught in the crossfire. AJI’s strong condemnation signals a warning: without accountability and genuine protection of press freedom, Indonesia risks sliding back into authoritarian practices that silence truth and empower disinformation.

Sources: Tirto.id (2025) , Zonautara.com (2025)

Keywords: AJI Indonesia, Violence Against Journalists, Indonesia Press Freedom, Media Restrictions, Journalist Intimidation, Democracy Indonesia