Chief’s Aide Threatens Journalist in Semarang
- Semarang, Indonesia – An aide to the Indonesian National Police Chief is under scrutiny following allegations of violence against journalists covering an event at Tawang Station in Semarang....
- According to reports,several journalists were documenting General Prabowo's interaction wiht prospective train passengers when the alleged assault took place.
- Zaezar, a photo reporter, relocated to the platform area after being asked to leave.
Police Aide Accused of Assaulting Journalists in Semarang
Semarang, Indonesia – An aide to the Indonesian National Police Chief is under scrutiny following allegations of violence against journalists covering an event at Tawang Station in Semarang. the incident reportedly occurred Saturday, April 5, 2025, during General Listyo Sigit Prabowo’s inspection of reverse flow traffic management.
Incident Details emerge
According to reports,several journalists were documenting General Prabowo’s interaction wiht prospective train passengers when the alleged assault took place. Dhana Kencana, chairman of the Indonesian Photo Reporter Semarang, stated in a writen release Sunday that the aide demanded the journalists move away, using excessive force. “By pushing quite roughly,” Kencana described.
Zaezar, a photo reporter, relocated to the platform area after being asked to leave. Though, the aide allegedly followed him.
“Arriving there, the aide approached and then committed violence by hitting the head,” Kencana said. Othre journalists also reportedly experienced physical violence.
Verbal threats Alleged
In addition to the physical altercations, the police officer allegedly issued a verbal threat to the journalists, reportedly saying, “You’re a press, I stick one by one.”
Legal Ramifications Considered
Daffy Yusuf, chairman of the advocacy Division of the Semarang independent Journalist Alliance, believes the aide’s actions constitute a violation of Article 18 of Law 40 of 1999 concerning the Press. Yusuf stated that such a violation could result in ”a maximum of two years in prison or a maximum fine of Rp. 500 million.”
Press Organizations Condemn actions
PFI Semarang and Aji Semarang have issued strong condemnations of the alleged violence and any obstruction of journalistic work. The organizations are calling for accountability.
Demands for Apology and Sanctions
The press organizations are demanding a public apology from the Police Chief and are urging the National police to impose sanctions on the aide involved in the alleged assaults.
Furthermore, PFI and Aji have requested that the National Police implement training to prevent similar incidents in the future. Thay are also appealing to media outlets, journalist organizations, and civil society to monitor the situation closely.
police Aide Accused of Assaulting Journalists in Semarang: A Q&A
What happened in Semarang involving the police and journalists?
An aide to the indonesian National police Chief is under scrutiny due to allegations of violence against journalists. The incident occurred on Saturday,April 5,2025,at Tawang Station in semarang,Indonesia. Journalists were covering General Listyo Sigit Prabowo’s inspection of reverse flow traffic management when the alleged assault took place.
What specific actions is the police aide accused of?
The aide is accused of:
using excessive force: Demanding journalists move away,with one journalist reporting being “pushed quite roughly.”
Physical assault: Allegedly hitting a