DetikCom published an article on May 26 looking at Widodo’s planned visit to a Bekasi city shopping centre in West Java to review the government plans to relax Covid-19 restrictions, termed the ‘new normal’ health protocols. The government later amended a statement in the article regarding the purpose and location of Widodo’s visit.
While DetikCom revised the publication to reflect the change, the author of the article received anonymous death threats on WhatsApp and had their personal information shared on Facebook and Youtube. The reporter also received several food deliveries despite not ordering any food.
AJI said: “AJI urges the authorities to start an investigation immediately. AJI also demands the Indonesian Press Council to actively involved to resolve the violence against journalists and calls the newsroom to ensure the safety of journalist and the family.”
The IFJ said: “Under no circumstances is it acceptable to send a journalist death threats, maliciously publish their information online or have them stalked. The IFJ urges authorities to investigate the harassment of the journalist and ensure their safety.”