JAKARTA | INDATANEWS.COM – The Alliance of Independent Journalists Indonesia (AJI) has called for an immediate end to censorship and self-censorship affecting journalists and media organizations across Indonesia. The appeal was reiterated on Sunday, May 3, 2026, coinciding with World Press Freedom Day 2026.
AJI Chairperson Nany Afrida stressed that
press freedom is far more than a symbolic annual theme. It represents a fundamental pillar of a functioning, transparent, and accountable democracy.
"Without a free press, there is no control over power. And without oversight, democracy becomes merely a procedural formality without meaning," Nany Afrida said in an official statement on Sunday May 3, 2026.
Read Also: FJPI Raises Alarm Over Threats to Women Journalists and Press Freedom Risks She urged that this year's World Press Freedom Day should serve as a momentum to strengthen the protection of journalists. According to her, freedom of expression and the public's right to information must not be restricted under the pretext of stability, security, or short-term political interests.
Rising Violence and Pressure on Journalists
Nany Afrida also warned that
press freedom in Indonesia continues to deteriorate. Journalists are increasingly exposed to a range of threats, including physical intimidation, digital attacks, legal prosecution, and economic pressure on media organizations.
AJI recorded 91 cases of violence against journalists in 2025. Meanwhile, the 2026 Reporters Without Borders (RSF) index placed Indonesia at 129th out of 180 countries in the "difficult situation" category, a decline from 127th place the previous year.
Censorship and Self-Censorship on the RiseAJI highlighted growing concerns over censorship and self-censorship practices within newsrooms. Journalists are increasingly pressured to avoid sensitive topics or alter reporting due to political and economic influence.
The organization also reported instances of direct interference from state and corporate actors, including demands to remove content, modify news coverage, or publish so-called "placed reporting." Pressure through advertising withdrawals has also become more common.
"This situation is just as dangerous as physical or digital violence, as it gradually erodes press independence," Nany Afrida stated.
AJI Calls for Firm Protection of Press FreedomAJI urged the government and all stakeholders to end all forms of censorship and guarantee media independence. It also called for stronger protection mechanisms for journalists and transparent, independent investigations into all violence cases.
The organization demanded an end to impunity for attacks against journalists and insisted that perpetrators must be prosecuted without discrimination. Media companies were also encouraged to reinforce editorial independence and actively resist self-censorship.
Furthermore, AJI called for an end to Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation (SLAPP) cases targeting journalists, emphasizing that media-related disputes should be resolved through the Press Council (Dewan Pers).
AJI concluded by calling for solidarity within the media industry, stressing that attacks on individual journalists are attacks on
press freedom as a whole.
"Protect journalists. End impunity. Fight censorship. Save democracy," Nany Afrida concluded. (IDNC)
REPORTER:
Darmailawati | EDITOR:
Fik Sagala