The Indonesian Police Regulation Number 3 of 2025 on Supervision of Foreign Nationals has been criticized by the national press community.
One article in the regulation states that foreign journalists must obtain a Police Certificate when conducting journalistic activities in certain areas.
Media organizations have objected to this provision, viewing it as a potential threat to press freedom.
Wisnu Prasetya Utomo, a lecturer in political communication and journalism at the UGM Faculty of Social and Political Sciences (Fisipol UGM), argued that the regulation exceeds the authority of the Indonesian National Police and encroaches upon press freedom.
“The police do not have the authority to regulate journalistic activities. This is problematic. Media regulations have long been under the purview of the Ministry of Communication and supervised by the Press Council,” he said on Monday (Apr. 14).
According to Utomo, this overreaching regulation may weaken press freedom in Indonesia. Moreover, it contradicts higher-level laws, namely Law Number 40 of 1999 on the Press and Law Number 32 of 2002 on Broadcasting.
Based on circulating information, the regulation does not require all foreign journalists entering Indonesia to obtain police permission, but only those working in specific locations.
The police stated that the regulation was created to protect national sovereignty and stability and ensure the safety of foreign journalists working in Indonesia.
However, the public has also questioned the issuance process of Police Regulation Number 3 of 2025, which did not involve the national press community or the relevant authorities, including the Press Council, the Indonesian Broadcasting Commission (KPI), journalist organizations, and media companies.
“The rationale of maintaining national stability is irrelevant. If the goal is truly to preserve stability, then resolve the conflicts—not restrict foreign media coverage,” Utomo asserted.
He noted that international media might interpret the regulation as a sign that the government is trying to obscure domestic conflicts, which could lead to more serious issues.
Rather than preserving stability, the regulation might reflect the government’s weakness in addressing internal disputes.
In recent years, Utomo said, international media have actively covered Indonesia’s sociopolitical developments and democratic backsliding.
In contrast, domestic journalists and media outlets have often faced violence and restrictions while fulfilling their journalistic duties.
“The role of foreign media is significant. What happens in Indonesia is connected to the global landscape—they can help amplify voices when the local press is under pressure,” Utomo explained.
Utomo urged that the new police regulation be reviewed through a consultative process involving the Press Council and the press community.
As a democratic country that upholds constitutional principles, Indonesia is obliged to guarantee freedom of expression and a fully independent press.
“Any attempts to regulate the press for protection or oversight purposes must involve all relevant stakeholders, including media organizations and press regulatory bodies,” he concluded.
Author: Tasya
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Post-editor: Afifudin Baliya
Image: Freepik