Bali – August 30, 2025.
Concerns over press freedom in Bali intensified after a journalist live-streaming on TikTok was intimidated, assaulted, and forced into the Bali Police Criminal Investigation Directorate (Ditkrimsus) during ongoing protests. The incident raised serious questions about the treatment of journalists covering public unrest in Indonesia.
Journalist Assaulted During Live Broadcast
The journalist from Balitopik.com was streaming events near the Ditkrimsus office when two women on a red motorcycle were suddenly stopped by police under suspicion of joining the protests. As the journalist recorded the incident, he quickly became a target himself.
Several muscular men in plain clothes, allegedly acting alongside police, approached him, put him in a headlock, seized his phone and bag, and ended the broadcast.
Forced Into Police Office and Assaulted – Press Freedom in Bali
According to his testimony, the journalist was dragged into the Ditkrimsus office and repeatedly kicked in the lower back. Witnessing the event, fellow reporter Abang Gus Hendra of Pos Bali tried to intervene, clarifying that the victim was a journalist, but his calls were ignored.
“At that moment, I could only surrender,” the journalist said. “I told them I needed to coordinate with my colleagues, but then a police officer grabbed my collar and forced me to sit in the parking lot.”
Belongings Returned, But Trauma Remains
After some time, the journalist’s belongings were returned, and he was released without explanation or apology. Though his equipment was intact, the experience left lasting trauma and added to the growing list of intimidation cases against reporters in Bali.
Concerns Over Press Freedom in Bali – Press Freedom in Bali
Media organizations, including PENA, condemned the treatment of the journalist, calling it a violation of press freedom and the public’s right to information. They stressed that intimidation of journalists undermines democratic principles and weakens accountability in law enforcement.
As of now, Bali Police have not issued an official statement regarding the incident. However, the case has drawn national and international attention to the fragile state of press freedom in Bali, particularly during times of civil unrest.
This article was reported and written by Ferry Fadly and Giostanovlatto, journalists of Bali Today News, for timebusinessnews.com.
