Foreign Journalists May Work in Indonesia, With Conditions

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Interior Minister Tjahjo Kumolo reiterated the matter of foreign journalists reporting procedures in Indonesia. He said, foreign journalists should not miss and comply with all permits and rules that must be filed prior to reporting in the regions in Indonesia.

"In principle, they are free to go around Indonesia if they are open with their intents and purposes," he said in a press release, Thursday, August 27.

In addition, he also ordered local authorities to be open if there are foreign journalists covering their area.

He said both foreign journalists and local officials should convey the purpose of reporting to the central government and the Indonesian press. It has also been discussed with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Tjahjo also promises this procedure will not be constrain foreign journalists. He said the procedure is easy and straightforward. What is important, he said, making Indonesia to remain safe, democratic, and open to foreigners, especially journalists.

Earlier, Director General of Politics and Public Administration of the Ministry of the Interior Soedarmo said that foreign journalists and film crews who want to perform activities in Indonesia must have permission from the Coordinating Team Visits Strangers in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Directorate General of Politics and Public Administration of the Ministry of the Interior. “To make monitoring easier," he said when contacted on Tuesday, August 25.

Not only that, when being in parts of the archipelago, foreign journalists and foreign film crews have to get permit from the Politics and National Unity Body at the provincial, district, or municipal level for their activities.

Meanwhile, Tjahjo Kumolo issued a circular letter number on the adjustment for journalistic visit procedure in Indonesia. The circular had been sent to all heads of regional, provincial, and district/city in Indonesia.

YOLANDA RYAN ARMINDYA| MITRA TARIGAN