Adlu Raharusun, Jayapura – A Molotov cocktail was thrown at the Jujur Bicara or Jubi media editorial office in Jayapura, Papua, on the morning of Wednesday October 16. The alleged terror attack has attracted concern as well as criticism from journalist organisations.

Jayapura city Alliance of Independent Journalist (AJI) Chairperson Lucky Ireuw stated that the alleged terror attack against Jubi was a serious threat to the press freedom in the land of Papua. He also urged the police to thoroughly investigate the case.

"Terror against Jubi and press workers in the land of Papua has occurred repeatedly, but to this day has not yet been resolved [by the police]. AJI together with the LBH Pers [Legal Aid Institute for the Press] and all parties will oversee the handling of this case until it's resolved", said Ireuw.

Ireuw asserted that acts of terror and other attacks against Jubi would not shake the enthusiasm of journalists in voicing the truth in the land of Papua. However, he reminded all parties to respect and protect press freedom.

West Papua Indonesian Journalists Association (PWI) Chairperson Bustam also urged the police to fully uncover and arrested the perpetrators so that similar incidents are not repeated.

"Attacks on the mass media are a real threat to press freedom, which is the main pillar of democracy. We condemn all forms of violence against journalists and the media. Such actions hamper the right of people to obtain true and fair information", Bustam said.

Papua-Maluku Indonesian Television Journalist Association (IJTI) Coordinator Chanry Suripatty stated that the Molotov's bomb attack on Jubi sets a bad precedent for press freedom in Papua. Therefore, the perpetrators and the motives for the attack must be revealed transparently.

"Attacks on the media cannot be taken lightly. This is not only a physical threat, but also a direct attack on press freedom, and democracy in the land of Papua", Suripatty said in a written statement.

Suripatty suspects that the alleged terror attack is an attempt to silence the mass media in the land of Papua. There is concern therefore that the incident will further increase acts of violence against and pressure on journalists in Papua

"We suspect this is a systematic effort to curb press freedom and democracy in the land of Papua. If press freedom continues to be intimidated, what is at stake is not only the right of journalists, but also the public's right to obtain information that is truthful, and balanced", said Suripatty.

[Translated by James Balowski. The original title of the article was "Serangan Molotov Ke Jubi Cederai Kebebasan Pers".]

Source: https://jubi.id/polhukam/2024/serangan-molotov-ke-jubi-cederai-kebebasan-pers/