Three journalists experienced intimidation while covering a demonstration by residents and students in Nabire, Central Papua on Friday, April 5 2024.
The three journalists are Elias Douw (wagadei.id), Kristianus Degey (karetpapua.com) and Melkianus Dogopia (tadahnews.com).
Elias Douw was present at the Karang Tumaritis market Nabire since 8.00 WIT to cover the demonstration.
At that time, several police officers approached him and asked from which media he work for.
A few minutes later, some police came and said, "what are you doing here, you go home." They brought rattan, so journalists ran away in fear.
Meanwhile, Kristianus Degey was present in front of the Nabire Regional Hospital, to cover the demonstration. He prepared his cellphone and several work tools. But several policemen came to him and asked rudely, "What are you doing ? please delete the videos and photos now!"
The journalist answered that he was covering, while showing his press card. But the police took his cellphone, and it could be brought at the police station.
Meanwhile, Melkianus Dogopia tried to enter the Jepara 2 gathering point at 12.30 WIT. The location has been blocked by the police.
A policeman then told him to go home. "You can't pass here anymore, go home," said the police.
The journalist then showed his press card. One of the police then said, "The situation has turned criminal. You just go back," said the police.
That day, the People's Front Concerned with Human Rights in Papua Nabire, held a demonstration to criticize the abuse of civilians by members of the Indonesian national army