SMSI Kaltara Condemns Damage To Kaltara's Koran Office, Serious Threats To Press Companies

The atmosphere of the Kaltara Koran office after the vandalism occurred. (VOI Ratu Director)

TANJUNG SELOR - Indonesian Cyber Media Union (SMSI) of North Kalimantan (Kaltara) condemned the act of destroying the Kaltara newspaper office (Korkal) in Tanjung Selor, Bulungan on Tuesday (12/8/2025) at 03.00 WITA in the morning.

The chairman of SMSI Kaltara, Victor Ratu, considered the action as a form of intolerance and threats to freedom of the press. "SMSI Kaltara asked the authorities to thoroughly investigate the case and take action against the perpetrators in accordance with applicable law," said Victor, Wednesday, August 13.

"Moreover, the Kaltara newspaper is a media company that has obtained factual and administrative verification from the Press Council," he added.

Victor revealed, from the results of field monitoring and SMSI communication with the Korkal management, it was found that a number of facilities at the location of the incident were heavily damaged including a printing machine (2 color) and CCTV (1 unit).

"We have seen CCTV footage from inside the office, the panel of damaged printing machines is suspected to have been watered, nothing else is missing other than the damage," he said.

From this incident, SMSI considered this case a serious threat or terror that must be immediately disclosed by the police.

"However, we also appreciate the fast movement of the police who have responded quickly to the company's report by conducting a crime scene (TKP)," he added.

Victor emphasized that destroying media offices can also be considered a form of threat to press freedom and freedom of expression. Moreover, press freedom is a fundamental right that is protected by the constitution and law.

"Damaging media offices also violates ethics and morals, because it can harm others and interfere with the process of conveying information to the public. So this has also been a criminal act," he said.

Victor added that this case became the attention of the North Kalimantan SMSI to continue to monitor the development of its disclosure.

"We will continue to monitor the development of the disclosure of this case, SMSI believes the police can solve this incident quickly," he concluded.