Executive Director of Greenpress Indonesia, Igg Maha Adi. Dok : Greenpress Indonesia
JAKARTA, JAKTIMES.COM – Greenpress Indonesia has spoken out regarding the assault on eight journalists and staff members of the Ministry of Environment (KLH) at the PT Genesis Regeneration Smelting plant site in Serang, Banten.
They strongly condemned the act of violence and urged police to thoroughly investigate and prosecute those responsible.
Brief Chronology
The incident began when a KLH inspection team, accompanied by journalists, conducted a surprise inspection (sidak) over alleged hazardous waste management violations on Thursday (Aug 21).
When journalists attempted to take photos at the location, they were obstructed by several security guards and individuals in uniform resembling law enforcement officers.
Tensions escalated. Journalists who tried to record and interview were shouted at, and soon the confrontation turned into physical assault.
Several journalists were reportedly dragged, beaten, and had their cameras confiscated. In addition, KLH staff who accompanied the journalists also became victims of violence.
Greenpress’ Response
Director of Greenpress Indonesia, Igg Maha Adi, said the attack was more than just a common act of violence.
According to him, the incident was a direct attack on environmental law enforcement and the public’s right to information.
“The assault on journalists and KLH staff is an attack on democracy and the public’s right to information. This violence shows the persistence of brutal practices to silence critical voices against environmental destruction. The state must not allow this—perpetrators must be prosecuted,” Igg stressed on Friday (Aug 22).
Secretary General of Greenpress Indonesia, Marwan Aziz, added that the incident also amounted to criminalization of environmental law enforcement efforts.
“We see this not only as physical assault but also as criminalization of environmental law enforcement. If even journalists and state officials can be treated this way, what about ordinary citizens fighting against pollution in their communities? Law enforcement must take this case seriously without favoritism,” said Marwan, who is also the Founder of Beritalingkungan.com.
Greenpress’ Official Position
Greenpress conveyed five official stances regarding the case:
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Strongly condemning the acts of violence against journalists and KLH staff.
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Urging law enforcement to thoroughly investigate all perpetrators, whether from state apparatus or the company.
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Reminding companies to respect journalistic work and the enforcement of environmental law (Mutma).