Indonesian journalists condemn mob raid on PWI Kudus office over AI illustration

The Indonesian Journalists Association (PWI) of Kudus has strongly condemned the intimidation and harassment faced by its members when their office was stormed by a mob from the Pemuda Pancasila (PP) organization. This brazen act, which occurred late Tuesday night, targeted the PWI Kudus office under the guise of seeking clarification regarding an AI-generated illustration published by Tribun Jateng.

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In the incident, a number of mobs carried out verbal intimidation and actions that caused unrest for Tribun Jateng journalist Rifqi Ghozali, who was alone in the office at the time. There was even an attempt at coercion accompanied by threats to make the concerned party apologize, which was recorded in video form.

PWI Kudus rightly points out that the illustration, which depicted a PP member extorting a street vendor, is the sole responsibility of Tribun Jateng. The PWI, as a professional organization, has no connection to the content of media outlets' publications. To storm their office and intimidate the lone journalist present is not only a misdirected act but also a clear violation of journalistic principles and the safety of media workers.

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The raid by the masses of the Pemuda Pancasila mass organization on the Kudus Regency PWI Office and IJTI Muria Raya was a misdirected act. Any mistakes related to the photo illustration in the news are the full responsibility of the Tribun Jateng media and have no connection with PWI Kabupaten Kudus as a professional organization.

The mob's actions, including verbal intimidation and demands for a video apology, are unacceptable and represent a disturbing trend of vigilantism and thuggery. PWI Kudus's statement emphasizes that any clarifications or corrections should follow established legal mechanisms, such as the right to reply or correction, as stipulated by Indonesian press law, not through intimidation and the show of force.

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Clarification of media news should be done through mechanisms regulated in the Press Law, such as the right of reply or the right of correction. Not through the mobilization of masses accompanied by intimidating actions, both physically and verbally.

This incident highlights a worrying disregard for press freedom and the rule of law. PWI Kudus's firm stance in condemning the actions and demanding accountability from Pemuda Pancasila is crucial. It sends a clear message that intimidation and threats against journalists will not be tolerated. The association's call for Pemuda Pancasila to take responsibility for the psychological impact and for those involved to issue a public apology is a necessary step towards upholding the safety and dignity of the press in Indonesia.

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PWI Kabupaten Kudus strongly condemns all forms of thuggery, intimidation, and threats against members of the press in carrying out journalistic duties.