From intimidation and campus censorship, WhatsApp wiretapping, confiscation of devices, bans on reporting, to threats of expulsion. Many student media organizations have been suspended simply for publishing journalistic works deemed to interfere with the interests of the campus elite.
Makassar, November 11, 2025 — Amid increasing repression of student press organizations at various universities, Makassar has become an important gathering place for young journalists from Central and Eastern Indonesia. They have come from Makassar, Kendari, and as far as Ternate, bringing with them stories, wounds, and hopes for press freedom, which is being increasingly eroded.
During the FGD titled “Challenges Facing Student Press in Central and Eastern Regions & Introduction to the JurnalismeAman.com Platform,” held on November 11, 2025, participants identified various patterns of repression that are occurring with increasing frequency. These range from intimidation and campus censorship, WhatsApp wiretapping, confiscation of electronic devices, bans on reporting, to threats of expulsion. Many student press organizations have been suspended simply for publishing journalistic works deemed to interfere with the interests of the campus elite.
“This phenomenon is exacerbated by the lack of clear legal protections for student media.”
“The Press Law does not explicitly include student media as part of the recognized media, so access to formal protection and advocacy mechanisms is limited. As a result, many cases go unresolved, while victims suffer trauma or choose to withdraw from journalistic activities,” said Arie Mega, Project Officer for Safe Journalism, in her presentation.
The authorities are not without blame either. Arrests of student journalists while covering protests still occur, as was the case with CAKA Unhas in 2024. This issue resurfaced during the focus group discussion, serving as evidence that journalistic work on campus is not yet viewed as part of academic freedom and civil rights.
The participants shared their experiences candidly and emotionally. M. Irham from CAKA UNHAS noted that this training was crucial because it provided physical and digital safety tips that had previously been hard for them to obtain. Harpan from LPM Objektif Kendari expressed the hope that similar activities would continue so that student media organizations would become more courageous and honest in their work.
Alang from CAKA UNHAS views this FGD as a critical learning space for maintaining idealism and courage.
“Challenge Tyranny!” in his testimony.
Meanwhile, other participants expressed their gratitude for the opportunity to connect with student press networks from various cities and hoped that events like this would become an annual tradition.
There were also participants who were just beginning to understand the reporting process for violence against student media and hoped that universities would be encouraged to issue regulations recognizing student media as a legitimate part of the academic ecosystem. From Nailul (Medkom) to Jellian (LPMH-UH), everyone agreed: this discussion was eye-opening, provided valuable insights, and strengthened solidarity.
The FGD also identified the needs of student media organizations, including digital security SOPs, campus regulations that protect journalistic work, a national network among student media organizations, and regular coordination with the Alliance of Independent Journalists (AJI) and the Legal Aid Institute for the Press (LBH Pers).
“However, don’t wait until there’s a problem to come to AJI, fellow student journalists.”
“Stay in touch and meet with us regularly. We’re always open to working with you,” said Darul Amri of AJI Makassar.
In this forum, Jurnalisme Aman introduced the jurnalismeaman.com platform—a knowledge and support hub for journalist safety that provides modules, guides, reporting channels, and an advocacy network. The platform is intended to serve as a strategic tool for student media organizations to operate professionally and safely, even when the campus environment does not provide adequate protection.
The FGD concluded with a commitment to collaboration: strengthening networks, leveraging the JA platform, and using this meeting as a foundation for improving the student press ecosystem in Central and Eastern Indonesia.
“Journalism is not a crime —it must not be restricted and is one of the pillars of democracy,” said Arifah of the HRWG.
From Makassar, the voice of student media is finding its place once again: bolder, stronger, and more connected to one another.
Author: Arie Mega (Project Officer for Safe Journalism – Tifa Foundation)
Safe Journalism (JA) is a consortium comprising the Tifa Foundation, the Human Rights Working Group (HRWG), and the Indonesian Media Development Association (PPMN), supported by the Dutch Embassy. JA works to create a safe ecosystem for journalists—ensuring press freedom in Indonesia.
The Safe Journalism Roadshow was held to advocate for—and publicize—the activities and publications that have been carried out among student press organizations in Western, Central, and Eastern Indonesia, including the integrated reporting and learning platform, JurnalismeAman.com.