The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) is concerned that efforts by Indonesian journalists to end criminalisation of the media are being undermined by a senior police official who has publicly encouraged people with complaints against journalists to file police reports rather than use the Press Law’s complaint and resolution procedures.

According to the Alliance of Independent Journalists (AJI), an IFJ affiliate, Police Chief Inspector Feneral Sisno Adiwinoto made a statement at a Regional Press Jamboree in South Sulawesi on May 30 that advised people against using the Press Law’s mechanisms for settling disputes or expressing public dissatisfaction with the media.

It is the second time he has made such statements, according to AJI.

The chief inspector’s statements are of particular concern for AJI and the Indonesian journalism community as they continue their campaign to Stop Criminalisation of the Press.

Criminal defamation remains a significant obstacle for journalists in Indonesia. Dozens of defamation articles are yet to be removed from Indonesian criminal courts to civil courts following a Supreme Court decision to apply the Press Law as the relevant legislation for media disputes.

According to AJI’s 2007 report, Stop Criminalisation of the Press, 41 defamation cases were filed against media and journalists between 2003 and April 2007.

More recently, Risang Bima Wijaya, a journalist and former general manager of Radar Yogya Daily, was released from jail on June 7 after serving a six-month sentence for criminal defamation.

“Statements by senior officials, such as that made by Police Chief Inspector Feneral Sisno Adiwinoto, undermine the efforts of Indonesia’s journalists as well as the decisions of Indonesia’s Supreme Court to support a non-criminal resolution process for media-related complaints,” IFJ Asia-Pacific said.

“Indonesia’s public is by no means disadvantaged by the Press Law, which encourages open dialogue, freedom of expression and right of reply for all people – crucial elements of a successful democracy.”

The IFJ joins AJI in calling on Indonesia’s Government and Press Council to ensure senior officials understand and uphold the Press Law’s processes of dealing with media complaints.

For further information contact IFJ Asia-Pacific on +612 9333 0919

The IFJ represents over 600,000 in 122 countries worldwide