House Of Representatives Commission III Reminds No Intimidation Of Journalists' Duties!

Photo by Joppe Spaa on Unsplash

JAKARTA - The case of alleged intimidation by the Lampung High Prosecutor's Office (Kejati) against a journalist has received the attention of Commission III of the DPR RI. The commission in charge of legal affairs reminded that journalistic duties are protected by law.

"We condemn the behavior of an individual prosecutor who is suspected of intimidating media colleagues who are carrying out their professional duties. Journalists who are carrying out journalism duties should not be intimidated," said Member of Commission III of the DPR RI, Sarifuddin Sudding, Thursday, November 4.

The allegation of intimidation was carried out by a journalist in the national media who wanted to confirm the news that the prosecutor received money from the family of a convict in an illegal logging case. A journalist named Amri was threatened with prosecution in the case of the Electronic Information and Transactions Law (ITE) by a prosecutor with the initials A.

In addition, prosecutor A had sent 2 people to look for Amri after the journalist contacted the prosecutor about the alleged case of buying and selling cases. Sudding also reminded that journalists have the right to clarify information to sources.

“As a law enforcer, prosecutors should understand that journalists are protected by law in carrying out their duties and obligations, especially when covering news. This is regulated in Law No. 40 of 1999 on the Press," he said.

Sudding asked all parties to respect every actor of public work. Especially in this case, he reminded every state official to set an example in carrying out his mandate.

“Stop the practice of abuse of power because prosecutors must be able to protect the community. Remember, as state officials, law enforcers must be wise and be role models. The act of intimidation will actually tarnish the Adhyaksa Corps,” said Sudding.

If there is a difference of opinion regarding news information, all parties are asked to carry out their duties according to the code of ethics of their respective organizations. Sudding hopes that any misunderstandings can be resolved amicably.

"So that the relationship between law enforcement institutions and journalists goes well," said the legislator from the Central Sulawesi electoral district.

Sudding also hopes that the problems between prosecutors and journalists in Lampung can be resolved properly. Moreover, these two professions need each other in carrying out their duties.

“The press as the 4th pillar of democracy has a social control function, including in terms of law enforcement. The media also has freedom of the press that must be protected and every agency in this country must respect it,” concluded Sudding.