Indonesia’s Press Freedom Under Threat: Molotov Attack on Jubi Editorial Team

JAKARTA, RAKYAT NEWS – The Indonesian Journalists’ Safety Committee (KKJ Indonesia) condemns the Molotov cocktail attack on the Jujur Bicara (Jubi) editorial office in Jayapura, Papua, which occurred on October 16, 2024.

This incident represents a serious act of terror that threatens the safety of journalists and freedom of the press in Papua.

Jean Bisay, Editor-in-Chief of Jubi, reported that the attack took place early Wednesday morning around 3:15 AM Papua time. Two operational vehicles belonging to Jubi, parked outside their office on Jalan SPG Taruna Waena, were set ablaze and damaged.

The attack was allegedly carried out by two individuals on a motorcycle, who threw the Molotov cocktails from the roadside in front of the Jubi office. The fire ignited between the parked vehicles, causing significant damage.

The Heram City Police, upon investigating the scene, confirmed that the thrown objects were indeed Molotov cocktails. They are currently conducting further inquiries and working to identify the perpetrators of this violent act.

This is not the first time Jubi has been targeted; on January 23, 2023, journalist Victor Mambor faced a similar attack when a homemade bomb exploded near his home. Such incidents highlight the increasing threats to press freedom in Papua.

Particularly, these threats are aimed at media outlets that report on human rights violations and national policies that adversely affect indigenous communities. Jubi is known for its critical stance on various government policies.

These include national strategic projects that jeopardize the livelihoods of indigenous populations, as well as its coverage of human rights abuses by security forces. The latest Molotov attack follows the publication of critical articles regarding these policies.

In light of this alarming situation, KKJ Indonesia demands immediate and thorough investigation by law enforcement to hold the perpetrators accountable. The state must not tolerate violence, intimidation, or terror against journalists and media.

Failure to act will exacerbate the situation regarding press freedom in Indonesia, particularly in Papua. Additionally, the committee calls for the dismissal of the Papua Police Chief for failing to ensure the safety of Jubi’s editorial team.

The National Police Chief must apply pressure on ground officers to address similar threats more seriously, especially in a region vulnerable to violations of fundamental rights such as press freedom.

KKJ Indonesia also urges the reopening of the investigation into the previous bomb attack against senior Jubi journalist Victor Mambor, which had been previously halted by the Papua Police.

The Witness and Victim Protection Agency (LPSK) should intervene to provide protection for Jubi’s editorial staff, as several journalists are experiencing trauma due to this attack. (Uki Ruknuddin)