Indonesian press groups condemn Palace decision after reporter asked Prabowo about MBG poisonings
The Indonesian Presidential Palace is facing backlash after revoking the press ID of a CNN Indonesia journalist who questioned President Prabowo Subianto about food poisoning linked to the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) program.
Palace Revokes Journalist’s Access
On September 27, 2025, the Bureau of Press, Media, and Information (BPMI) of the Presidential Secretariat revoked the Palace press ID of CNN Indonesia journalist Diana Valencia. The move came just hours after she asked President Prabowo Subianto about widespread poisoning cases linked to the MBG program at Halim Perdanakusuma Airport.
CNN Indonesia Denounces Move
CNN Indonesia Editor-in-Chief Titin Rosmasari expressed shock at the decision, confirming that a BPMI staff member retrieved the ID card directly from the CNN Indonesia office in Jakarta that evening. She said the network has formally requested an explanation from the BPMI and the Minister of State Secretariat, stressing that Valencia’s question was relevant and in the public interest.
Press Organizations Respon
The move drew swift condemnation from press associations. The Indonesian Press Council, chaired by Komaruddin Hidayat, urged the Palace to restore Valencia’s access immediately. He warned that such actions risk undermining press freedom as guaranteed under Law No. 40/1999 on the Press.
The Indonesian Television Journalists Association (IJTI) echoed this, calling the question “ethical and relevant” to public concerns. The group emphasized that revoking access could be interpreted as obstructing journalistic work and limiting public access to information.
Stronger Warnings from PWI and AJI
The Indonesian Journalists Association (PWI) stressed that the Palace’s actions conflict with Article 28F of the Constitution and press law protections. Chairman Akhmad Munir noted that obstructing the press carries potential penalties of up to two years in prison or a fine of IDR 500 million (≈ SGD 40,000).
Meanwhile, the Alliance of Independent Journalists (AJI) Jakarta and LBH Pers demanded a formal apology and the reinstatement of Valencia’s credentials. AJI Chair Irsyan Hasyim urged President Prabowo to evaluate the BPMI’s performance in light of this incident.
Broader Context: MBG Poisonings
The controversy coincides with nationwide concern over the MBG program, which has been linked to mass food poisoning among schoolchildren. Several regions declared Extraordinary Occurrence (KLB) status, prompting urgent government reviews. Coordinating Minister for Food Affairs Zulkifli Hasan announced that problematic food providers would be temporarily closed and that hygiene certification would be mandatory moving forward.
Palace Seeks “Best Solution”
State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi acknowledged the backlash and pledged to find a resolution. He confirmed that discussions between the Palace and CNN Indonesia were scheduled for September 29 to address the issue.
The revocation of Diana Valencia’s Palace press ID has sparked a nationwide debate over the state of press freedom in Indonesia. While the government attempts to contain fallout from the MBG poisoning crisis, its handling of journalists’ access has amplified concerns about transparency and democracy. For Indonesians and regional observers in Singapore, the case underscores how tightly intertwined food security, governance, and press freedoms are in shaping public trust.
Sources: Tirto.id (2025) , CNN Indonesia (2025)
Keywords: Indonesia Palace, Press Freedom, CNN Journalist, Prabowo Subianto, MBG Poisonings, Media ID
