Indonesia Sees Press Freedom Decline Amid Legal, Physical Attacks

Press freedom faces significant challenges globally, with Indonesia experiencing a marked decline due to vague laws like the Electronic Information and Transactions Law that criminalize online expression, resulting in increased attacks on journalists and self-censorship. In the UK, Reform UK deputy leader Richard Tice defended a ban on party councillors engaging with certain local media, arguing that journalists acting as activists may forfeit their right to access political figures. In Bangladesh, media experts emphasize the need for dialogue between political parties and journalists to ensure media independence and professionalism, highlighting ongoing concerns about journalist safety, fair compensation, and media ownership. National Consensus Commission Vice-Chairman Professor Ali Riaz stressed that genuine political commitment to press freedom is crucial for democratic reform and transforming journalism into a true fourth estate. He also pointed out that addressing institutional and professional aspects, including active advocacy by journalists' unions for security and rights, is essential. Collectively, these perspectives underscore the urgent need to protect and reform press freedom to sustain accountable governance and societal cohesion.