Press Freedom Threatened in West Kalimantan, Journalists Intimidated by Individuals Allegedly Backing Mining
PONTIANAK, KALBAR-JAYA NEWS.COM – A case of alleged insult to the journalist profession accompanied by intimidation has resurfaced, this time in Sungai Ayak Dua Village, Belitang Hilir District, Sekadau Regency, West Kalimantan on Friday (6/27). The action was carried out by a group of people claiming to be from the community and allegedly having links to illegal gold mining activities (PETI) in the area.
This incident has become a serious concern for media activists and press freedom activists who consider the action to be a real form of silencing the social control function of the press, as well as injuring democratic values.
The act of insulting and intimidating journalists is a serious violation of the constitution, especially Law Number 40 of 1999 concerning the Press. This is not just about attacks on individuals, but on the press institution as the fourth pillar of democracy,” said one of the 98 Activists, who is also a national press freedom activist.
According to several sources in the field, the incident is suspected to be closely related to journalists’ efforts to expose illegal gold mining practices in Belitang which are suspected to be protected by certain individuals. This suspicion is reinforced by a systematic pattern of intimidation targeting journalists while covering the story.
“We suspect that there is an illegal business network that feels threatened by media publications, then uses verbal violence and social pressure to silence journalists. This is very dangerous for the climate of democracy and transparency in the region,” said a national press law observer, Saturday, June 28, 2025.
The coalition of activists and media activists in West Kalimantan firmly condemned the action and asked law enforcement officers, including the West Kalimantan Regional Police and the Sekadau Police, to immediately investigate this case thoroughly and arrest the perpetrators and intellectual actors behind it.
“If the state allows the profession of journalists to be intimidated and insulted without a firm legal process, then we will lose one of the important instruments in maintaining democracy and monitoring power,” said a joint statement from a number of media organizations in West Kalimantan.
They also called for support from the Press Council and the National Human Rights Commission (Komnas HAM) to oversee this process and guarantee the safety of journalistic work in areas prone to conflict and illegal business.**
Source: National Press Activists
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