General Chairperson Of The SMSI Red Government Forum Kutuk Burns The Pakuan Raya Editor's Office

Photo: Special

JAKARTA - General Chairperson of the Indonesian Cyber Media Forum (SMSI), Dar Edi Yoga, expressed deep concern and strongly condemned the burning of the Pakuan Raya Daily Editor's office in Bogor by an unknown person, Saturday, December 28, early in the morning.

"This arson act is an attack on freedom of the press and democracy in Indonesia. We strongly condemn this barbaric act that not only harms the media, but also injures the principles of democracy and the people's right to get information," said Dar Edi Yoga in his official statement.

Dar Edi Yoga emphasized that press freedom is one of the important pillars in the life of the nation and state. Therefore, all forms of threats and violence against press personnel must be dealt with firmly by law enforcement officials.

"We urge the police to immediately thoroughly investigate this case, arrest the perpetrators, and reveal the motive behind this attack. This incident must be a serious concern so that it does not happen again in the future," he continued.

He also expressed solidarity to all journalists and staff of Pakuan Raya. According to him, violence against the media is a form of intimidation that cannot be tolerated in society that upholds democracy.

The Red SMSI Forum invites all parties to jointly protect press freedom in Indonesia. "We call on all members of the press to unite, remain brave, and not be afraid in carrying out their noble duties as pillars of democracy," concluded Dar Edi Yoga.

Until this news was revealed, the police were still investigating the burning case of the Pakuan Raya editorial office, including collecting evidence and asking for information from witnesses at the scene.