Journalist Protection Standards

The people of Indonesia have chosen and firmly resolved to protect the freedom to express thoughts and opinions as enshrined in the 1945 Constitution.

Freedom of the press is one manifestation of the sovereignty of the people and an essential part of the freedom to express thoughts and opinions, specifically regulated under Law Number 40 of 1999 concerning the Press.

In the implementation of press freedom, journalists play a crucial role. Therefore, in carrying out their duties, journalists must receive legal certainty and protection from the state, society, and press companies.

For this reason, the following Standards for the Protection of the Journalistic Profession are established:

1. The protection regulated under these standards is legal protection for journalists who comply with the Journalistic Code of Ethics while carrying out journalistic duties, including seeking, obtaining, possessing, storing, processing, and conveying information through mass media to fulfill the public’s right to information.
2. In carrying out journalistic duties, journalists are protected from all forms of violence, confiscation and/or seizure of work equipment, and may not be obstructed or intimidated by any party.
3. Journalistic works are protected from all forms of censorship and plagiarism.
4. In carrying out their duties, journalists must be equipped by press companies with assignment letters, work equipment, insurance, as well as the necessary knowledge and professional skills.
5. During journalistic assignments in armed conflict areas, journalists must be equipped with self-safety measures and must not use the identity of any conflicting party. Journalists are required to be treated as neutral parties and granted legal protection. Therefore, they must not be intimidated, taken hostage, tortured, abused, or killed.
6. In legal cases involving journalistic works, the press company shall be represented by the person in charge and accompanied by legal counsel.
7. In testimony related to journalistic works, the responsible party may only be questioned regarding published reports. Journalists have the right to refuse disclosure in order to protect confidential sources of information.
8. Owners or management of press companies are prohibited from forcing journalists to produce reports that violate the Journalistic Code of Ethics and/or applicable laws.

This Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for Journalist Protection is established as a guideline for safeguarding journalists in carrying out their professional duties.