The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) on Wednesday called on Indonesian authorities to investigate recent incidents of assault, harassment, and intimidation against journalists covering nationwide protests in the archipelagic state and hold those responsible to account. 

In the wake of demonstrations that erupted on August 25 over low wages, new tax increases, and pay raises for members of the legislature, at least 16 journalists have come forward to report physical attacks, verbal threats, and intimidation by government affiliates, according to local news reports and a statement issued by the Alliance of Independent Journalists (AJLI), an independent local press advocacy group.  

The protests, which allegedly resulted in the deaths of at least eight people, including a man who was struck by an armored police vehicle, took place across Indonesia last week. Journalists and reporters covering the protests were reportedly subjected to threats and intimidation, including—in some instances—physical violence from police. Bayu Pratama, a photojournalist for a state news agency, was physically assaulted by a police officer, despite displaying his official press credentials, and Rovin Bou, a local internet journalist, was repeatedly kicked by officers in Bali while live-streaming a demonstration. His personal effects, including his mobile phone and personal bag, were confiscated by police. 

These instances are not, however, unprecedented in Indonesia, where members of the press have long faced harassment and violence during moments of political unrest. Indonesia currently ranks 127th out of 180 countries and territories in the 2025 Reporters Without Borders (RSF) World Press Freedom Index, having fallen 16 places in a single year and reflecting persistent challenges for journalists operating in the country. While the constitution formally grants freedom of the press, rights groups—including the CPJ and RSF, as well as Amnesty International—have repeatedly raised concerns over the intimidation, harassment, and legal threats reporters face in the country, which prevent the safe exercise of their work. 

Cédric Alviani, the director for RSF Asia-Pacific, urgently reiterated these concerns, calling upon Indonesia’s government to take immediate, comprehensive action to protect journalists and hold those responsible for their repression accountable:

By assaulting, arbitrarily arresting and intimidating journalists, Indonesian law enforcement agencies are violating the public’s right to reliable information. We call on President Prabowo Subianto to take immediate action to ensure that journalists can work safely, and that those responsible for these attacks are held responsible. 

Indonesia’s National Police and other regional police bodies have not responded to CPJ’s request for comment. Additional reports that have since emerged highlight the persistent crackdown on press freedom in the country.