Several journalists harassed and assaulted while attempting to cover government crackdown on political opposition

On 27 July 1996, when the Indonesian military seized the offices of the opposition Indonesian Democratic Party (PDI), several journalists were barred from covering the incident, including Andreas Harsono, General Secretary for IFEX member the Institute for the Studies on Free Flow of Information (ISAI), whose camera was confiscated. They were both beaten, as were […]

On 27 July 1996, when the Indonesian military seized the offices
of the opposition Indonesian Democratic Party (PDI), several
journalists were barred from covering the incident, including
Andreas Harsono, General Secretary for IFEX member the Institute
for the Studies on Free Flow of Information (ISAI), whose camera
was confiscated. They were both beaten, as were many other
journalists covering the event. Among them were C. Sukma, a
photographer with “Ummat”. Despite showing his press card, he was
punched and his bag was seized. Another photographer came to his
assistance and took him to a hospital where he remained until 30
July. As well, John McDougall, a photographer with the Agence
France Presse (AFP) news agency, was injured in the face by a
stone tossed in his direction outside PDI headquarters.

**Provides further details to IFEX alert dated 29 July 1996**

Meanwhile, on 30 July, journalists investigating the number of
people injured during the 27 July riot were reportedly denied
entry to the hospital where they were being treated.

Recommended Action

His Excellency General Suharto

President

Office of the President

Bina Graha, Jalan Veteran No. 17

Jakarta Pusal, Indonesia

Fax: +62 21 360 517/367 782

Agung Singgih, S.H.

Attorney General

Jakarta, Indonesia

Fax: +62 21 720 8557

Haji Utoyo Oesman

Minister of Justice

Jakarta, Indonesia

Fax: +62 21 525 3095

Ali Alatas

Minister of Foreign Affairs

Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Jalan Taman Pejambon 6

Jakarta Pusat

Indonesia

Fax: +62 21 345 0517