Three journalists were attacked and detained while reporting on a tin mining dispute in the Bangka Belitung Islands, Indonesia, on March 7, prompting condemnation from international press organizations. Authorities have arrested three suspects in connection with the assault.
Journalists Assaulted During Dispute
Two journalists were attacked and detained at a warehouse belonging to PT Putra Prima Mineral Mandiria (PT PPMM) while covering tensions between residents and officials regarding allegations of illegal tin sand mining and processing in Air Anyir Village, Merawang District, Bangka Regency.
Frendy Primadana, of TV One, Dedy Wahyudi, of Beritafakta.com, and Wahyu Kurniawan, of Suarapos.com, were alerted to a commotion at the PT PPMM warehouse as military officers from Indonesia’s Tri Cakti Task Force inspected supplier trucks. The dispute escalated into a brawl.
The journalists attempted to report on the dispute but were initially denied entry to the factory premises despite presenting press credentials. When Wahyudi began filming, he was allegedly punched multiple times in the face by a truck driver. Kurniawan escaped, but security guards and the truck driver apprehended the remaining journalists as they tried to flee.
After being physically assaulted, the journalists were allegedly detained for an hour, receiving death threats and being coerced into recording an apology video. Their telephones were confiscated, and they were forced to delete their recordings.
Police rescued the journalists, who were then taken to Air Anyir General Hospital for treatment. Primadana was later referred to intensive care three days later due to worsening facial injuries.
Arrests Made, Investigation Ongoing
Babel Regional Police confirmed the arrest of three suspects, including the truck driver, a PT PPMM security officer, and an employee. If convicted, they could face up to seven years in prison. PT PPMM has also been accused of illegally shipping zircon out of its designated Mining Business Permit (IUP) area, prompting calls for further investigation.
The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and its affiliate, Aliansi Jurnalis Independen (AJI) Indonesia, condemned the attack, emphasizing that it constitutes a serious violation of press freedom as guaranteed under Indonesia’s Press Law. The IFJ called for a full and transparent prosecution of those responsible and for the company to be held accountable for the actions of its employees.
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