'Drama' Press ID Diana Valencia CNN Ends, Palace Apologizes And Restores Access

CNN Indonesia journalist Diana Valencia has received an Identification (ID) of the Palace after a meeting with the Press Bureau of the Presidential Secretariat at the Jakarta Presidential Palace Complex, Monday (29/9/2025). ANTARA/Mentari Dwi Gayati

JAKARTA - The Press Bureau of the Presidential Secretariat apologized and returned the identity card (ID) for special coverage of the President's activities to CNN Indonesia journalist Diana Valencia, after having revoked the ID on Saturday, September 27.

Deputy for Protocol, Press and Media of the Presidential Secretariat Yusuf Permana said the Palace Press ID was returned directly to Diana.

The process was also witnessed by the Chief Editor of CNN Indonesia Titin Rosmasari, Deputy Chairman of the Press Council Totok Suryanto, and Head of the Press, Media and Information Bureau (BPMI) Erlin Suastini.

"The Palace's special ID is now being returned to the person concerned. Also witnessed by the Editor-in-Chief, Mrs. Titin, and we immediately submitted Mbak Diana's ID," Yusuf told the media after a meeting with the CNN Indonesia team at the Presidential Palace Complex, Jakarta, Antara, Monday, September 29.

According to Yusuf, the meeting with the Editor-in-Chief of CNN Indonesia and the Press Council was a form of openness by the Palace after CNN Indonesia wrote to BPMI and Minister of State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi to ask for clarification regarding the revocation of Diana's Palace Press ID.

He emphasized that the Press Bureau upholds the principle of openness and freedom of the press as mandated by Law Number 40 of 1999 concerning the Press.

Yusuf conveyed that the Head of BPMI Erlin Suastini regretted having revoked Diana's Press ID after the agenda of covering the arrival of President Prabowo Subianto from a state visit at Halim Perdanakusuma Air Base, Jakarta, last Saturday.

The decision to revoke the ID coverage was made after Diana asked President Prabowo Subianto a question regarding special instructions for handling poisoning cases in the Free Nutrition Food (MBG) program.

Diana Valencia thanked the Press Bureau for apologizing and returning her Palace Press ID.

"What is clear is that I also thank the Press Bureau for returning (ID), I am very proud to apologize to myself and CNN Indonesia," said Diana.

CNN Indonesia Red Government Titin Rosmasari emphasized her presence at the Palace to bring a message so that journalists receive the best treatment while carrying out their duties.

"The apology submitted by Mrs. Erlin to us was a greeting which must then be followed by an act so that relations become even better in communication, collaboration, cooperation," said Titin.