The Murder Of Wartawati In Banjarbaru, LKBPH PWI Center Urges Transparent And Open Investigation

Reka adegan pembunuhan jurnalis di Banjarbaru, Kalimantan Selatan, 5 April (Dok. ANTARA)

JAKARTA The Consulting, Assistance and Law Enforcement Institute of the Indonesian Journalists Association (LKBPH PWI Pusat) strongly condemns the murder of an online media journalist, Juwita, in Banjarbaru, South Kalimantan, at the end of March 2025. LKBPH assesses that this case cannot be considered an ordinary incident, let alone is only interpreted as a love-motivated crime.

"The perpetrator of the murder is known to be an individual member of the Indonesian Navy with the rank of Class One named Jumran. It is suspected that the motive for the murder began with being responsible for sexual violence committed against the victim," said Plt. Head of the Central PWI LKBPH, Chelsia Chan, in a written statement received in Jakarta, Saturday, April 12, 2025.

According to Chelsia, Juwita's profession as a journalist should be an important consideration in seeing this case. He emphasized that the murder of journalists was a tangible form of harassment of freedom of expression and a serious threat to the journalistic profession in Indonesia.

The Indonesian Journalists Association Consultation, Assistance and Law Enforcement Institute (LKBPH PWI Pusat) strongly condemns the murder of an online media journalist, Juwita, in Banjarbaru, South Kalimantan. (IST)

"This is not just a personal case. This is violence against journalists. We demand that legal proceedings be carried out openly, whether in military or civilian courts, and ensure justice for victims," he stressed.

Chelsia also reminded that journalists in Indonesia are often victims of violence by state officials. He said violence against journalists had become a recurring dark record and was even included in UNESCO's report.

Indonesia is often highlighted by the world because its apparatus has committed violence against journalists, ranging from intimidation, torture, to murder. The record is long, including the incident of beating photo reporters by the National Police Chief's bodyguards in Operation Ketupat Candi 2025 in Semarang," he said.

LKBPH PWI Pusat emphasized that the right to life is guaranteed by the constitution, as stipulated in Article 28A of the 1945 Constitution and Article 9 of Law no. 39 of 1999 concerning Human Rights. This right is absolute and cannot be reduced under any circumstances.

"This crime should not be considered as a mere disaster. The state is not enough to convey condolences or promises of change. There must be concrete steps," said Chelsia.

He closed his statement urging that the trial of the murder of wartawati Juwita be carried out transparently, open to the public, and provide justice not only for victims, but also for all Indonesian people whose rights and lives are threatened by the violence of the apparatus.