PWI Center Concerned About Revocation Of Link Cards For CNN Indonesia Journalists Palace

JAKARTA - The Central Indonesian Journalists Association (PWI) expressed concern over the revocation of the Palace coverage card experienced by CNN Indonesia journalists after asking a question about the Free Nutrition Food (MBG) program to President Prabowo Subianto, Saturday (27/9).

The General Chairperson of the Central PWI, Akhmad Munir, emphasized that this action has the potential to hinder press independence and contradict the mandate of the constitution and Law Number 40 of 1999 concerning the Press.

"Article 28F of the 1945 Constitution guarantees the right of everyone to communicate and obtain information. Meanwhile, Article 4 of the Press Law emphasizes that press independence is guaranteed as the human rights of citizens, without censorship or banning broadcasting," said Munir in an official statement, Sunday (28/9).

Munir also reminded that Article 18 paragraph (1) of the Press Law states that any party who deliberately obstructs or hinders the implementation of press freedom may be subject to imprisonment of up to two years or a maximum fine of IDR 500 million.

According to Munir, the revocation of CNN Indonesia journalists' reporting cards on the grounds that questions outside the President's agenda cannot be justified for obstructing journalistic duties and limiting public rights to obtaining information.

Munir also encouraged the Press, Media and Information Bureau of the Presidential Secretariat to immediately provide official clarification and open a dialogue space with press personnel.

"Maintaining press independence means maintaining democracy. Therefore, any form of restriction that is contrary to the constitution and the Press Law must be stopped," said Munir.