Interview Transcript with Indonesian Journalists

Description

This study examines the impact of violence against journalists in Indonesia and its implication on the declining Press Freedom Index in Indonesia. Using a qualitative case study approach, it examined interviews with journalists who have experienced threats guided by four multidimensional frameworks of journalists’ safety: physical, psychological, digital, and financial. Findings indicate that there are interconnected threats of physical attacks, intimidation, doxing, instability of salaries, and restricted access to information, conditions that enable self-censorship and undermine press freedom. The study identifies the interconnections of power behind these threats. The decrease of Indonesia's press freedom ranking is not only due to single act of violence, but also structural factors that affect the autonomy of journalists and their access to information. Furthermore, the study highlights the extent to which the power dynamics and structural deficiencies amplify such threats and influence journalism. Thus, the fall in Indonesia’s press freedom rating cannot be solely attributed to acts of violence but is also influenced by the structural factors that control the exchange of information. This study, by foregrounding journalists lived experiences, underscores the role of occupational insecurity in undermining democratic values. Therefore, there is a need to enhance legal, digital, and labor security to rebuild press freedom and democratic accountability in Indonesia.

Institutions

• Binus University

  Jakarta, Jakarta

Categories

Licence