This is not good for the community. We are not suggesting they should have lovey-dovey relations, but each must certainly show respect for the other’s profession. The police’s job is to protect and to serve, and a journalists’ job is to keep the public informed and keep those in power accountable. Both are public services essential to the working of a democratic society.

The problem is that the police’s generally hostile attitude toward journalists may have come directly from the top leadership. If contempt for journalists runs high among police officers, most likely it’s because they have been encouraged by their bosses.

Police Regulation No. 5/2025 issued last month requires all foreigners to obtain permits from the local police to conduct activities in “certain locations”, without mentioning the type of activities or the locations, but cites foreign journalists and foreign researchers as examples that are subject to this regulation. Responding to critics, National Police Chief Gen. Listyo Sigit Prabowo, said in a press conference that the permits are not mandatory for foreign journalists. This is double-speak, for, unless he rescinds it, local police would likely go with the regulation.

Foreign journalists are already subject to many conditions and restrictions in securing their visa and work permit. These are subject to periodic reviews and may not be extended if their reporting is found to be “negative”, however the government defines it.

They don’t need another layer of permit, least of all from the police. The latest regulation will restrict their mobility and affect their reporting. The lesson from Papua is worth reciting here. With the eastern region off limits to foreign journalists, the negative stories outweigh the positive in most foreign reporting about Papua. The new regulation would be a disservice to Indonesia’s reputation abroad.

The beating of an Antara photographer in Semarang by Listyo’s adjutant last week is another example of the police’s hostile attitude toward the press. The incident happened during Listyo’s working visit to the Tawang railway station, and as the adjutant tried to clear the path of Listyo among the crowd, including journalists covering the visit, he blurted “You press people, I will slap you,” according to one eyewitness account. The adjutant then beat the Antara photographer on the back of his head. It was more than a slap.

Though the police have since publicly apologized for his behavior, the incident left a sour taste to affect the overall relations between police and the media. Coming from someone so close to the chief reflects badly on the force. Did the chief condone the behavior?

Journalists covering the recent student protests in many cities against the revision of the law on the Indonesian Military (TNI) also complained about the police’s harsh and repressive treatment. The Alliance of Independent Journalists (AJI) and the Indonesian Cyber Media Association (AMSI) have documented some of these incidents.

The press has also come under a series of attacks in recent months. Although these other attacks were not necessarily from the police, the law enforcement agency nevertheless has the duty, under the 1999 Press Law, to provide protection for journalists to do their job.

Tempo media outlet last month received a package containing a pig’s head, with both ears cut off, in a clear act of intimidation toward a female journalist who hosts the popular Bocor Alus videocasting program. A few days later, a passing motorcyclist threw a packet containing four dead rats over Tempo’s office fence. Many believe that these acts of terror have much to do with Tempo’s critical coverage of the passing of revision of the TNI Law. Police have been called in to investigate, but given their contempt toward the media, don’t expect they will find the culprits.

As we work toward improving the working relationship between media and the police, it is worth reminding that the 1999 Press Law not only guarantees journalists freedom to conduct their work, but also legal protection from the police. But if the real problem is one of attitude, then the move should start from the top of the leadership.