PWI Concerned Many Journalists Died Of Gaza Conflict Victims

JAKARTA - The Central Indonesian Journalists Association has expressed deep concern and condolences regarding the deteriorating situation of the conflict in Gaza in line with the increasing number of journalists and media staff who died.

The General Chairperson of the Central PWI, Hendry Ch Bangun, in a press statement sent to Voi. id stated that based on a report from the Committee to Protect Journalist until November 3, 2023, at least 36 journalists and media workers have been victims and killed since Israel's attack on Gaza.

The deaths of journalists and media workers on duty to deliver reports of the massacre of civilians by the Israeli army. According to Hendry, this is an unacceptable humanitarian tragedy because it is against universal principles and spirit of humanism. Journalists and media workers are actually one of the entities that must be protected as stated in International Humanitarian law

"Wartawan yang bertugas di daerah konflik bersenjata dianggap sebagai warga sipil dan harus dilindungi dari serangan militer di daerah konflik," tulisnya dalam pernyataan persnya.

The Indonesian Journalists Association, the oldest and largest journalist professional organization in Indonesia, has asked the parties involved in the battle in Gaza to exercise restraint and must protect journalists covering the conflict in Gaza because they have a noble duty to convey the truth.

The Indonesian Journalists Association also asked media leaders and journalists tasked with covering armed conflict in Gaza to make thorough preparations and consider steps to minimize risks so that there are no more casualties among journalists and media staff who fall.

"We are deeply saddened and empathetic to the families of journalists and media staff who were victims of the tragedy in Gaza. May Allah SWT give strength to the families of the victims in facing this ordeal," he concluded.