Tempo Magazine's Chief Editor Condemns Persecution of Journalist in Surabaya

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Chief Editor of Tempo Magazine, Wahyu Dhyatmika, strongly criticizes the persecution of one of its journalist named Nurhadi, which took place in Surabaya, on Saturday, March 27, 2021. Wahyu said this was an attack on press freedom and violated the Criminal Code and the Press Law No. 40 of 1999.

"Tempo condemns the violence and demands that all the perpetrators be tried and sentenced according to the applicable law," said Wahyu, Sunday, March 28, 2021.

The violence that befell Nurhadi occurred when he carried out an assignment from the editor of Tempo Magazine to ask for confirmation from the former Director of Investigation at the Directorate General of Taxes at the Ministry of Finance, Angin Prayitno Aji. The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has declared Angin as a suspect in the tax bribery case.

Nurhadi was beaten and was also detained in a hotel in Surabaya by several guards of Angin Prayitno Aji. In fact, Wahyu said that Nurhadi had explained his status as a Tempo journalist who was carrying out journalistic duties.

Wahyu emphasized that Tempo assessed that this violence as a criminal act that violated at least two regulations, namely article 170 of the Criminal Code concerning the joint use of violence against people or goods, and Article 18 paragraph 1 of the Press Law concerning actions that obstruct or obstruct journalistic activities.

On that basis, Wahyu said that Tempo asked the Head of East Java Regional Police, Inspector General Nico Afinta to follow up on the case of violence against Tempo journalist and examine all those who were involved.

"After all the investigation files are complete, we demand that the perpetrators be brought to court to receive a punishment that is appropriate, in accordance with the prevailing laws and regulations," said Wahyu.

In addition, Wahyu also asked the National Police Chief, General Listyo Sigit Prabowo, to order his staff in the Professional and Security Division (Propam) at the National Police Headquarters to process the perpetrators in a professional discipline. He hopes that this case will be the last act of violence perpetrated by the police against journalist.

Tempo also requested assistance from the Witness and Victim Protection Agency (LPSK), the National Commission for Human Rights (Komnas HAM), and the Press Council to protect victims from threats of violence to further persecution and to guard the legal process in this case.

Wahyu also appealed to all parties to respect journalistic work which is protected by the Press Law. "For the sake of ensuring the public's right to know and get accurate information on issues that are important to many people," said Wahyu.

Also Read: Tempo Editor in Chief Condemns Hacking; Deems it Attempt to Silence Journalism

EGI ADYATAMA