Firda Janati, Dani Prabowo, Jakarta – Indonesian Alliance of Independent Journalists (AJI) Chairperson Nani Afrida believes that the increasing number of cases of violence against journalists in Indonesia is due to the widespread impunity afforded to perpetrators. Impunity is an exemption from punishment given to perpetrators of violations, including perpetrators of violence.
"Apologies after committing violence against journalists are now increasingly common. AJI considers this phenomenon to be one of the causes of the fertile growth of impunity for perpetrators of violence against journalists", said Afrida when contacted by Kompas.com on Monday April 7.
Afrida said that these cases of violence are considered finished with just an apology and without any clear legal consequences. In fact, according to Afrida, the violence experienced by journalists has long-term impacts.
"Yet, violence against journalists has serious impacts, ranging from disruption in carrying out journalistic duties to psychological trauma", she said.
Nany said that every act of violence against journalists should be processed under criminal law, in accordance with the provisions of Article 18 Paragraph (1) of Law Number 40/1999 on the Press. "This law firmly protects journalistic work from all forms of intimidation and violence", she said.
Due to the weakness of criminal law, many journalists who are victims of violence choose to accept apologies and not continue the legal process for this reason. "One of the factors is distrust in the legal system which is considered not to fully side with victims", she said.
Afrida continued saying that up until now there are still many cases of violence against journalists and the media that have not been resolved. "Even if when they're resolved, the punishments are considered light. This situation is interrelated and strengthens the vulnerability of journalists in carrying out their duties", she said.
Earlier, Antara News agency photographer Makna Zaezar was assaulted by a member of the National Police chief's protocol team, Ipda Endry Purwa Sefa, while covering the activities of the National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo at the Tawang Station in Semarang, Central Java, on Saturday April 7.
As a consequence of these actions, the police chief made a public apology. The perpetrator has also visited the Antara News agency in Semarang to apologise. In recent times, cases of violence against journalists have continued to occur.
[Translated by James Balowski. The original title of the article was "Marak Kasus Kekerasan terhadap Jurnalis, Ketua AJI: Suburnya Impunitas Pelaku Kekerasan".]
