Batam media festival brings regional journalists together to discuss threats facing independent journalism.
Journalists, civil society groups, academics and communities gathered in Batam for Festival Media Selat Malaka 2026, placing press freedom and human rights challenges across Southeast Asia at the center of discussion.
Fesmed Opens With Regional Press Freedom Focus
The Festival Media Selat Malaka 2026 opened at Politeknik Negeri Batam on September 19, bringing together hundreds of journalists, students, academics, civil society organizations, NGOs and local creative communities. Organized by Aliansi Jurnalis Independen (AJI) with AJI Batam and AJI Tanjungpinang, the two-day Batam program carried the theme “Press Freedom and Human Rights Justice in Southeast Asia.” Activities included an international seminar, workshops, media exhibitions and discussions on human trafficking, forest and land fires, indigenous communities and other public issues.
26 Journalists Killed and 41 Detained in 2026
At the international seminar, Asia Centre Regional Director James Gomez said 26 journalists had been killed and another 41 detained during 2026, including two of those killed from Indonesia. He argued that threats to press freedom extend beyond physical violence, saying legal mechanisms can be used against journalists and media organizations. The seminar brought together five speakers from four countries and was moderated by AJI Indonesia Executive Director Febrina Galuh.
Algorithms and Disinformation Threaten Media Independence
Gomez also identified algorithms and the spread of disinformation as growing challenges for media organizations, saying they can undermine sustainability and weaken journalistic independence. He said journalists and media organizations must adapt to technological change, including artificial intelligence, while ensuring that AI operates under clear regulations and careful principles.
Journalists Share Challenges Across Asia
Speakers described different pressures facing journalists in their countries. Pongpan Chunjai of Prachatai Thailand called for greater accountability from people in positions of power, while Alyaa Alhadjri of Malaysia’s Gerakan Media Merdeka said journalists face difficulties reporting sensitive issues involving the royal family. Daisuke Furuta of the Japan Fact-check Center encouraged media organizations to strengthen legal support and international press networks so cases affecting journalists can receive wider attention.
AJI Calls for Protection and Stronger Journalism
AJI Indonesia chair Nany Afrida said Indonesian journalists continue to face intimidation and restrictions, particularly while reporting on issues including the Free Nutritious Meals program, Red and White Village Cooperatives and National Strategic Projects. She said AJI has established Journalist Safety Committees in regions from Aceh to Papua to provide legal advocacy and is also promoting a trust fund to address journalists’ welfare. AJI also called on the state to protect labor rights, access to information and journalists’ ability to work without intimidation.
Fesmed Selat Malaka 2026 placed journalist safety, media independence, human rights and technological change within a wider Southeast Asian discussion. For Indonesian journalists, the festival provided a platform to discuss domestic challenges alongside regional experiences. For Singaporeans and other Southeast Asian audiences, the discussions highlighted issues affecting journalism across neighboring countries and the role of cross-border networks in supporting press freedom.
Sources: Ulasan (2026) , Lintas Nasional (2026)
Keywords: Fesmed Selat Malaka 2026, Press Freedom Asia, Journalism Batam, AJI Indonesia, Journalist Safety, Media Independence
