January 13, 2026 | 08:55 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Nurani Bangsa Movement (GNB) has highlighted the increasing threats to press freedom during the administration of President Prabowo Subianto and Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka. GNB member and Chair of the Indonesian Church Association (PGI) Jacky Manuputty stated that they have faced violence, terror, and threats.
"Press freedom, as a pillar of democracy, is also eroded. Journalists who are critical of government policies face terror and intimidation," he said at the GNB national message press conference at Grha Pemuda, within the Jakarta Cathedral complex, on Tuesday, January 13, 2026.
He mentioned that journalists face work obstruction and property confiscation. Officials also tend to suppress media independence when conducting government social control. Acts of terror and intimidation also occur, such as the delivery of animal carcasses and vandalism of cars.
The GNB also urged state organizers, the government, and law enforcement officers to uphold and nurture the principle of civilian supremacy. As pillars of democracy and the embodiment of the reform mandate, the police focus on their duties of maintaining security and public order, enforcing the law, and providing protection and comfort to the public.
"Meanwhile, the TNI (Indonesian National Armed Forces) upholds national sovereignty and defends the state," he said.
Based on data from the Indonesian Alliance of Independent Journalists (AJI) on cases of violence against journalists from January to mid-October 2025, there were 70 recorded cases of violence in various forms, including physical violence, terror and intimidation, and threats.
Violence against journalists in the form of physical violence remains the most common, totaling 23 cases. This is followed by 20 cases of digital attacks, 15 cases of terror and intimidation, seven cases of threats, and one case of coverage bans.
Minister of State Secretary and Presidential Spokesperson Prasetyo Hadi, has not responded to Tempo's questions regarding Prabowo-Gibran's commitment to guarantee press freedom.
However, on September 29, amid the extensive coverage of the revocation of the ID card of a CNN Indonesia journalist, Yusuf Permana, the Deputy for Protocol, Press, and Media of the Presidential Secretariat, claimed that Prabowo highly upholds press freedom.
"He (Prabowo) still maintains, highly maintains openness and press freedom," said Yusuf.
Read: AMSI and PWI Urge Government to Abolish VAT for Media
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
AMSI and PWI Urge Government to Abolish VAT for Media
22 jam lalu
AMSI and PWI launch the #NoTaxforKnowledge campaign, urging the Indonesian government to eliminate VAT for the media industry.
Narrow Interpretation of Journalist Protection
54 hari lalu
The Constitutional Court is hearing a challenge to Article 8 of the Press Law. The case risks narrowing legal protections for journalists.
LBH Pers Flags Minister Amran Sulaiman's Goal to Silence Press in Tempo Lawsuit
8 November 2025
The lawyer of Minister of Agriculture Amran Sulaiman stated that he will put the Rp200 billion from suing Tempo into the state treasury.
One Year of Prabowo-Gibran: Rising Attacks, Threats on Journalists and Shrinking Press Freedom
19 Oktober 2025
A look at the sad state of press freedom in Indonesia in the first year of Prabowo-Gibran's administration.
Major US News Outlets Reject Pentagon's New Press Rules
15 Oktober 2025
Dozens of news organizations have refused to accept Pentagon's new press policy, saying it amounts to a crackdown on the media.
Govt Seeks Best Solution to CNN Indonesia Reporter's Palace Press ID Issue
29 September 2025
The State Secretary Minister Prasetyo Hadi has asked the Palace Press Bureau to communicate with CNN Indonesia.
Chief Editors Forum Warns: Blocking Journalists May Result in Criminal Sanctions
29 September 2025
The Chief Editors Forum has spoken out about the revocation of the press cards of CNN Indonesia journalists.
U.S. Envoy Sparks Outrage After Insulting Lebanese Journalist at Press Conference
27 Agustus 2025
U.S. Special Envoy Thomas Barrack sparked outrage on Tuesday after disparaging Lebanese journalists.
Tempo Journalist Francisca Christy Rosana Receives 2025 Udin Award
8 Agustus 2025
Francisca Christy Rosana said that receiving the Udin Award evoked mixed emotions.
AJI, UNESCO Declare Commitment to Support Digital Security of Student Press
5 Mei 2025
AJI Indonesia and UNESCO have highlighted the strategic role of student press agencies in responding to the spread of harmful content in the digital space.
:strip_icc():format(jpeg)/kly-media-production/medias/4548967/original/094336900_1692782124-tanaphong-toochinda-FEhFnQdLYyM-unsplash.jpg)
:strip_icc():format(jpeg)/kly-media-production/medias/5327418/original/014991800_1756180726-alexandr-podvalny-TciuHvwoK0k-unsplash.jpg)