What's Wrong With Anji Is Equating Joshua Irwandi's COVID-19 Journalistic Work With YouTube Products

Anji (Instagram / @ duniamanji)

JAKARTA - The Indonesian Photo Journalist (PFI) criticized Anji's statement regarding a photo by Joshua Irwandi, a National Geographic photographer, showing a body of a COVID-19 patient. What's wrong with Anji is equating journalistic photos with YouTubers, vloggers, or any non-journalistic work.

Head of PFI Pusat, Reno Esnir, explained that his party had contacted Joshua Irwandi to ensure the validity of his journalistic work. From the discussions held, PFI confirmed Joshua had "adhered to the journalistic code of ethics, complied with licensing procedures, and followed all kinds of health protocols required by the hospital," said Head of PFI Pusat Reno Esnir, quoted by Antara, Monday, July 20.

According to Reno, many people need to realize that journalistic work is an activity protected by Law Number 40 of 1999 concerning the Press. In addition, there is a clear code of ethics based on fact finding in the field. So, it is impossible to equate journalistic work with content made by YouTubers, influencers, vloggers, and the like.

"We hope that no one compares the journalistic work of photo journalists with buzzers, influencers, YouTubers, vloggers, and the like. Because journalistic work is based on facts in the field, has a clear code of ethics, and is protected by law," said Reno emphasized.

PFI also asked Anji to express his open apologies to all photo journalists for his one-sided opinion. Anji was also asked to delete uploads that cornered Joshua's work.

"PFI condemns and condemns Anji's unbalanced opinion and seems artificial, which has caused unrest among photo journalists, photographers and the general public," said Reno.

Previously, Anji commented on a photo uploaded by Joshua Irwandi regarding the body of a COVID-19 patient which went viral on social media. Anji said there were several irregularities in the photo

In response to this, Anji also plans to provide clarification regarding his comments regarding photos of journalistic works regarding the bodies of COVID-19 patients.