Chairperson of the Press Council, Ninik Rahayu, expressed her appreciation for the realization of the cooperation on the protection of journalists who are witnesses or victims in criminal cases.
She said that several follow-up cooperation agreements still need to be finalized, including additional partnerships with institutions that have already built strong relationships with the Press Council.
According to Rahayu, the press community consists of two entities, namely media organizations and journalists, both of whom are vulnerable to various forms of violence while performing their duties.
She stressed that journalists are defenders of citizens' constitutional right to access information, as guaranteed in Article 28E of the 1945 Constitution.
"In this context, journalists need full support in searching for, processing, storing, producing, and disseminating information," she said.
She further noted that the types of violence journalists face are becoming increasingly diverse, especially with the rise of digital media, social media, and new technologies such as AI.
Many cases of violence against journalists remain unresolved, while some cases stall at the investigation stage, while others do not proceed because victims are reluctant to report, she explained.
Furthermore, she urged the formation of a national task force for journalist protection involving the LPSK, the National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM), the National Commission on Violence Against Women (Komnas Perempuan), and other independent bodies.
Meanwhile, LPSK chairperson Brigadier General Achmadi emphasized that the MoU is crucial for strengthening the protection of journalists and in guaranteeing press freedom.
Achmadi said that further discussions would soon take place to discuss the technical details of the cooperation.
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Translator: Narda, Kenzu
Editor: Primayanti
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