Threatening Press Freedom: The Peril of Indonesia’s Student Media

Student Media at Risk in Indonesia: A Call for Action

On May 22, 2023, more than 150 college journalists will gather in Solo, Central Java, to discuss the intimidation, attacks, and forced closures of university media outlets in Indonesia. The situation is dire, and the need for government action is pressing. In between 2020 and 2021, the Indonesian Student Press Association (Perhimpunan Pers Mahasiswa Indonesia) recorded 48 cases of university administrators intimidating or shutting down student media outlets among the 185 cases of alleged press-related abuses on campuses in the country. The abuses included threats, intimidation, physical assault, closure of media outlets, and expulsion of students because of their journalism work.

Press Freedom in Jeopardy

Student journalism has a long history in Indonesia, and many of the older student press organizations produce printed publications, including some that have been published continually since the 1960s. However, the rise of online media outlets and social media platforms in recent years has also paved the way for newer student-run online news sites. Unfortunately, many of these student media outlets operate under the official purview of their educational institutions, and by extension, the Ministry of Education for non-Islamic schools and the Ministry of Religious Affairs for Islamic schools. This has made it easier for the authorities to censor and pressure student media organizations since the Press Council systems don’t protect student media outlets.

A Crisis in Student Journalism

The abuses against student journalists range from censorship to defamation charges and newsroom shutdowns. Many of these abuses result from student reporters’ uncovering and reporting on malfeasance, corruption, sexual misconduct, and other sensitive issues at their universities. It is not uncommon for university administrators to intimidate and threaten student journalists to remove certain news stories from the student news websites. Even university lecturers have been involved in pressuring student-run news sites to remove stories about themselves or their colleagues.

Government Inaction and a Call for Action

The situation is unacceptable, and the Indonesian government needs to act promptly and meaningfully to protect student journalists and their publications. As the Press Council systems don’t protect student media outlets, the national Press Council should engage with national police, the Education Ministry, and the Religious Affairs Ministry and seek an agreement that directs all college media disputes to be mediated by the Press Council. Additionally, the government should support the national Press Council’s efforts to protect university media outlets and mediate their disputes with school authorities.

Editorial: The Need for Government Intervention

The plight of student journalists in Indonesia reveals a larger issue of press freedom in the country. The government and the Press Council must take action to protect student journalists and their right to freedom of speech. Student journalism is essential, and the government’s failure to protect these reporters’ rights poses a threat to press freedom in the country. Additionally, universities should recognize the importance of the student media for campus life and the broader community and protect those who work for these publications. The Indonesian government must intervene now to ensure freedom of the press and to protect student journalists from intimidation, attacks, and forced closures of university media.

Advice: Protecting Press Freedom and Supporting Student Journalists

It is vital for students to understand their rights as journalists and the importance of factual, unbiased journalism. As for universities, they must recognize the importance of a free press on their campuses and protect their students who work for student-run news organizations. In turn, the Indonesian government must act to create a safer environment for student journalists and to protect their right to freedom of speech. By supporting the press council’s efforts and working with the national police, the Education Ministry, and the Religious Affairs Ministry, the government can protect student journalists and their publications and promote a free press in the country.

Student journalists-Indonesia,pressfreedom,studentmedia,threats,peril