Journalist Allegedly Intimidated while Covering Malut Vs PSM, PWI Ternate Speaks Out

TERNATE - The Indonesian Journalists Association (PWI) of Ternate City condemned the alleged acts of intimidation that befell several journalists who covered the Malut United FC vs PSM Makassar match. This BRI Super League match was known to take place at the Kie Raha Stadium, on Saturday, March 7.

The Head of the PWI of Ternate City, Ramlan Harun, when contacted by ANTARA, Sunday, considered that the action was not justified because it hindered journalistic work which was protected by law.

He emphasized that journalists who covered the match had obtained official identity cards from the competition organizers.

According to Ramlan, journalistic activities have a clear legal umbrella through Law Number 40 of 1999 concerning the Press. Therefore, any form of obstruction to the work of journalists is a violation of the law.

"PWI Ternate strongly condemns all forms of efforts to hinder journalists in carrying out journalistic duties. Anyone who hinders the work of the press can be subject to a two-year prison sentence under the Press Law," said Ramlan.

Ramlan also highlighted the alleged verbal intimidation and the actions of individuals who asked journalists to delete the results of coverage in the form of photos and videos.

He assessed that the action was a form of violation of press freedom.

He emphasized that journalistic products produced in the coverage process should not be deleted or censored forcibly by any party, because it is contrary to the principle of press freedom.

In Law Number 40 of 1999 concerning the Press it is stated that actions that hinder or obstruct journalistic work can be sentenced to imprisonment for a maximum of two years or a maximum fine of Rp. 500 million. This provision refers to Article 4 paragraph (2) and paragraph (3) as well as Article 18 paragraph (1) which guarantees press freedom as well as prohibiting all forms of censorship, censorship or prohibition of broadcasting.

The alleged intimidation incident was experienced by a number of journalists while covering the BRI Super League match at the Kie Raha Stadium, Ternate.

One of the journalists of Radio Republik Indonesia (RRI) Ternate, Irwan, admitted that he was forced by an individual who was suspected of being an official of the Malut United team to delete video documentation that recorded the journey of the match equipment after the Malut United match against PSM Makassar.

Not only asking for the deletion of the video, the person was also suspected of asking the stadium steward to expel a number of journalists who were in the stands, even though they had used official ID Cards from the Super League.

"You are a journalist, you have to delete the video," the person shouted while provoking a number of supporters around the location.

In the incident, the main owner of Malut United FC, David Glen Oei, who was at the location, also reprimanded the reporter who was covering the story.

Meanwhile, the head of the Halmahera Post media, Firjal Usdek, who also protested the act of intimidation, admitted that he was also removed from the stands by a number of stewards at the order of the team official.

According to Firjal, the presence of journalists in the stadium stands during the match is still in accordance with the rules because they use official coverage ID Cards.

"We in the stands use complete ID Cards, we also do not go beyond the limit," he said.

Firjal assessed that the actions of Malut United officials who asked journalists to delete video recordings were very contrary to Law No. 40 of 1999 concerning the Press.

"We are very disappointed with the action we received tonight," he said.

Meanwhile, Malut United has not yet given an official statement regarding the reason for the journalist's request to delete the video.

In the match, Malut United, who acted as the host, had to be content with sharing points after being held by the guest team PSM Makassar at the Kie Raha Stadium, Ternate.