Press Council Must Absolutely Provide Legal Protection for Journalist Profession

Press Council Must Absolutely Provide Legal Protection for Journalist Profession

Jakarta-aswinnews.com- Chairman of the Online Journalist Association (IWO), Dwi Christianto, S.H., M.Si., regrets the determination of Jak TV News Director, Tian Bahtiar, as a suspect by the Attorney General’s Office, on suspicion of obstruction of justice related to the tin corruption case, sugar imports, and Crude Palm Oil (CPO) exports.

The Online Journalist Association together with other press organizations such as IJTI, AJI, PWI and KKJ expressed concern over the determination which was considered vague or too shallow in assessing journalistic products.

“We emphasize that if the accusations are related to news reporting, then they should be resolved through the Press Council mechanism in accordance with Press Law No. 40 of 1999, not directly through criminal proceedings. IWO is concerned that this step could threaten press freedom and create a bad precedent in the future,” said Dwi Christianto.

We emphasize the importance of involving the Press Council in cases related to journalistic products and the protection of press freedom.

“The Press Council, through Chair Ninik Rahayu, has indeed stated that it respects the legal process of the Attorney General’s Office. However, IWO assesses whether or not Jak TV’s reporting meets journalistic ethical standards, that is the authority of the Press Council which examines journalistic products issued by Jak TV and Tian’s competency status as a journalist,” he concluded.

Previously, the Attorney General’s Office named Tian Bahtiar, Jak TV’s News Director, as a suspect by the Attorney General’s Office along with two advocates, Marcella Santoso and Junaedi Saibih, on suspicion of obstruction of justice related to the tin corruption case, sugar imports, and CPO exports. This accusation includes alleged conspiracy to create negative news that corners the Attorney General’s Office, with Tian allegedly receiving Rp478.5 million personally.

“These are subtle ways that will lead to criminalization of the press, silencing the press with the guise of law enforcement efforts. Whether the Attorney General’s Office is aware of it or not, it is very coincidental that journalistic products are then linked to bribery cases. We agree to carry out law enforcement efforts, but protection for the press is also a must, considering that the press is the fourth pillar of democracy, the silencing of which will harm democracy,” said IWO Secretary General Telly Nathalia in Jakarta, Wednesday, April 23, 2025. (***)

*DPP IWO
*Wari

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