DENPASAR, BALINEWS – Press freedom is facing growing pressure amid increasing threats of criminalization and civil lawsuits against journalists and media organizations, speakers at a discussion in Bali said Monday.
The issue was raised during a discussion titled “Protecting Press Freedom Amid the Threat of Criminalization and Legal Action”, organized by the Alliance of Independent Journalists (AJI) Denpasar at Toke (Toko Kopi dan Seni) in Denpasar on Monday (Oct. 5).
The discussion featured Hendrayana, a legal expert with the Press Council, and Ignatius Rhadite, head of advocacy at the Bali Legal Aid Institute (LBH Bali). Journalists from various media platforms in Bali, along with members of the public concerned about freedom of expression, attended the event.
Rhadite said Indonesia's democratic environment was increasingly restricting public participation, while legal and political mechanisms were at times being used to pressure citizens and critical voices.
“The YLBHI recorded more than 10,000 civil society members who were arrested for fighting for democracy. The situation is becoming increasingly unreasonable. People can now be arrested and accused of being provocateurs simply for reposting something or making a poster,” Rhadite said.
Rhadite also highlighted the growing number of legal disputes involving media organizations.
He said disputes arising from journalistic work should not immediately be taken into the criminal or civil justice system, arguing that press-related disputes should first go through the mechanisms established by the Press Council.
“If there is a problem involving the press, it should not immediately be taken into criminal or civil proceedings. We should push the Press Council to strengthen its memorandum of understanding with the police and the courts, so that regulations can be issued,” Rhadite said.
He argued that a clear mechanism was needed to ensure that disputes involving journalistic products were first examined through the Press Council before being pursued through other legal channels.
“If there is a press-related case, it should first go through the Press Council. People should not simply be arrested or sued directly. In addition, unions and professional organizations for media workers must also be strengthened,” he said.
Rhadite said solidarity among journalists was essential in responding to legal pressure against media organizations and individual reporters.
Meanwhile, Press Council legal expert Hendrayana said pressure on the media had reached a level that could create fear within newsrooms and encourage self-censorship.
He also pointed to the draft Broadcasting Bill, which previously included provisions that were criticized for potentially restricting journalistic work, including investigative reporting.
“Lawsuits against media organizations, including those that have occurred in Bali, are a form of pressure against the media. Those filing the lawsuits are usually officials or people with certain interests, sometimes also seeking financial gain,” Hendrayana said.
He said legal pressure could affect not only media companies but also journalists' willingness to carry out their role as a public watchdog.
Hendrayana therefore urged journalists and media companies not to face legal pressure individually.
Hendrayana called for greater solidarity among media workers, particularly when journalists or media organizations face lawsuits or other forms of legal pressure.
“Journalists and media companies must support one another. If someone is sued, they should not face it alone,” he said.
He welcomed the establishment of the Bali Journalists Union (SJB), describing it as a platform that could strengthen solidarity and advocacy for media workers in Bali.
“It is good that Bali now has SJB, so we can stand together against those in power who want to control the newsroom,” Hendrayana said.
The discussion underscored the importance of solidarity among journalists and media organizations in protecting editorial independence. Speakers also called for stronger press dispute-resolution mechanisms and greater legal protection for journalists as part of efforts to safeguard press freedom and freedom of expression.
