KontraS Criticism Telegram Kapolri Bans Media Broadcast Police Arrogance, Endanger Press Freedom

JAKARTA - The Commission for Missing Persons and Victims of Violence (KontraS) considers the contents of the Telegram of the National Police Chief, Listyo Sigit Prabowo, regarding the prohibition of the media from broadcasting violence to the arrogance of the police as wrong. Moreover, if this telegram is issued only to improve the image and increase public satisfaction.

"The level of public satisfaction with the Police has decreased, but the way to return it is not by blocking access from the media," Deputy Coordinator of KontraS Rivanlee Anandar told reporters, Tuesday, April 6.

He said, if it was true that this telegram was intended to close access to the media, of course this would have a negative impact. Not only that, this prohibition can also have an impact, including making the public even more dissatisfied with the work of the police.

Rivanlee also said that this prohibition could endanger journalists' freedom. Because, with the telegram, it seems that the public is asked to believe in a single state narrative.

"Meanwhile, the police have minimal evaluations and audits of their actions, both for offline and online activities," he said.

Not only that, this prohibition could also trigger friction between journalists and the authorities. "If in the future there are journalists covering violence, if not, yes, hurry up," he said.

Previously, the National Police Chief, General Listyo Sigit Prabowo, published a secret telegram (STR) regarding the prohibition of media broadcasting attempts or actions by police officers to display arrogance.

The order, which is registered under the number ST / 750 / IV / HUM.3.4.5. / 2021, was signed by the Head of Public Relations Division, Irjen Argo Yuwono, on behalf of the National Police Chief. STR is a direction (Jukrah) for all levels of the police.

The National Police STR contains nine prohibited points. The whole content concerns limiting the publication of violent activities.

"The media are prohibited from broadcasting police efforts / actions that display arrogance and violence. Then are advised to broadcast police activities that are assertive but humanist," the STR wrote as quoted on Tuesday, April 6.

In the STR, the National Police Chief also ordered all levels in public relations not to provide records of the police interrogation process in investigating suspects, including reconstruction activities.

In addition, the National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit also stated that he asked not to re-broadcast rape or sexual crimes, to disguise the faces and identities of victims and families of sexual crimes, as well as the perpetrators.

"Not showing explicit and detailed scenes of suicide and the identity of the perpetrators. Including, not showing scenes of brawls or fights in detail and repeatedly," he wrote.

The National Police Chief also requested that the arrest of criminals not include the media. That activity, too, may not be broadcast live. In addition, documentation of prosecution is carried out by competent INP personnel

"Not displaying the procedures for the manufacture and activation of explosives must not be shown in detail and explicitly," wrote the STR.

However, when confirmed, the National Police Public Relations Division Karo Penmas, Brigadier General Rusdi Hartono, confirmed the STR. But the order was specifically for the field of public relations across the ranks of the Police.

"STR is aimed at the head of public relations, it is a directive and direction from the Headquarters to the region, only for internal purposes," said Brigadier General Rusdi.