Indonesia’s new rule for foreign reporters raises press freedom fears: ‘major threat’

The introduction of police certification is yet another indication of the challenges of reporting in Indonesia, critics say

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Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto speaking to the local media. Photo: Reuters

Published: 5:48pm, 15 Apr 2025Updated: 5:53pm, 15 Apr 2025

A new regulation requiring foreign journalists obtain police certification before reporting in Indonesia has triggered alarm among rights groups, who warn it poses a “major threat” to press freedom in Southeast Asia’s largest democracy.

The regulation, which took effect on March 10, grants police the authority to issue certificates so that they could “provide services and protection” to foreign journalists, especially in conflict-prone areas, National Police spokesman Inspector General Sandi Nugroho said on April 4.

Critics argue the rule is repressive and adds more red tape to an already complicated visa process.

“This policy not only exceeds the authority of the police institution, but is a major threat to press freedom and democracy,” Indonesian Journalist Safety Committee said in a statement on April 4.

“The takeover of authority … is a form of systemic weakening of journalistic work and press independence. It also … can be used freely to justify actions to obstruct journalistic work under the pretext of illegal activities.”

Police officers on patrol at Kalideres Bus Station in Jakarta, Indonesia, on April 5. Photo: Xinhua

Wahyudi Soeriaatmadja, co-president at the Jakarta Foreign Correspondents Club, said that “ the rule breaches privacy and makes people think Indonesia is not safe”.