Press Freedom: Indonesia Scores Low in Press Security Indicator

STRATEGIC ASSESSMENT. Jakarta. Commemorating World Press Freedom day, the U.S. Embassy in Indonesia organize a discussion about press freedom in the digital era. Political Officer at the U.S. Embassy in Jakarta Mark Neighbors emphasized the importance of press freedom in all regions of Indonesia. He mentioned about the importance of allowing foreign journalists to cover Papua.

Deputy Press Attaché at the U.S. Embassy in Jakarta Nicholas Geisinger said that the United States is deeply committed to protecting a free press, which is a pillar of democracy, and that openly sharing and exchanging knowledge is important for both the United States and Indonesia.

Chair of the Alliance of Independent Journalists Sasmito Madrim in a virtual discussion on Press Freedom in Digital Era held by the U.S. Embassy in Jakarta on Wednesday highlighted the data from Reporters Without Borders that Indonesia’s press freedom index ranked 117th in the world with a score of 49.27, a decrease from 113th place last year with a score of 62.60.

Based on AJI data, there were 43 cases of violence against journalists in 2021 and most of the actors are the authorities. U.S. Embassy Political Officer Mark Neighbors said that there are still challenges to press freedom and the right to express opinions. Mark also said there were also intimidations of journalists by parties outside the government (Red/many sources).

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