W. Sulawesi journalist association demands investigation into violence

The West Sulawesi chapter of the Indonesian Journalists Association (PWI) has demanded police thoroughly investigate the violent treatment of reporters, including a recent incident in which a reporter was assaulted by a police officer while covering a motorcycle race. 

"Violence against the press is increasing. This is a very grave concern because many still don't understand the duties of media workers that are clearly protected by law. We hope the violence against press will not occur again," chairman Andi Sanif Atjo said in Mamuju, West Sulawesi, as quoted by Antara. 

Koran Publik newspaper reporter Awaluddin DP was allegedly assaulted when he was covering a motorcycle race in front of the West Sulawesi Governor's office in Mamuju on Wednesday. 

BM, the alleged assaulter, was said to have hit the victim with a rattan stick, causing bruises and damaging the reporter's cellular phone and press card. 

Mamuju Police chief Adj. Comr. Darwis Rincing said the perpetrator would face punishment.