The Press Council For The Material Test Value Of The Press Law Can Clarify Legal Protection

Member of the Press Council Abdul Manan in a discussion held in Jakarta, Saturday (6/9/2025). (ANTARA/HO-Iwakum)

JAKARTA - Member of the Press Council Abdul Manan views that the judicial review of Article 8 of Law Number 40 of 1999 concerning the Press can clarify the meaning of legal protection for journalists.

Article 8 of the Press Law reads: In carrying out its profession journalists receive legal protection.

"Article 8 of the Press Law, in my opinion, is indeed very multiple interpretations because it only says that journalists in carrying out their professions get legal protection, but what kind of legal protection can be done? Now that's too abstract," said Abdul in an online discussion witnessed from Jakarta, Saturday, September 6 evening, confiscated by Antara.

He explained that because the interpretation of the article was too abstract, it was not easy for many parties to immediately understand it.

For example, he said, a policeman can provide legal protection when he sees that journalists' work is hindered or prohibited, even the coverage tools are confiscated.

According to him, this protection can be given because when a person becomes a journalist, it is the state's obligation to provide it.

"However, what is more ironic is that sometimes the police commit violence. So, instead of protecting, they become perpetrators," he said.

Therefore, he hopes that the judicial review of Article 8 of the Press Law requested by the Legal Journalists Association (Iwakum) can make judges of the Constitutional Court dare to give a clearer interpretation regarding the legal protection.

"I think the interpretation is more detailed than in Article 8 I think it will clarify for law enforcement officials, or for countries, whether executive, judicial, and legislative, what they should do to protect journalists," he said.

Previously, Iwakum requested a judicial review of Article 8 of the Press Law to the Constitutional Court on August 19, 2025.

In its petitum, Iwakum asked the Constitutional Court to interpret Article 8 of the Press Law as Police action and civil lawsuits cannot be carried out against journalists in carrying out their professions based on the press code of ethics' or calls, examinations, searches, arrests, and detentions of journalists can only be carried out after obtaining permission from the Press Council'.