Several journalists were banned from covering the People's Water Forum (PWF) activities at the Oranjje Hotel, Jl. Hayam Wuruk, Denpasar, Bali, on Tuesday, May 21, 2024.
In addition to journalists, even committee members and discussion participants were prohibited from entering the meeting venue.
The two journalists who were barred from reporting were Febri from Radar Media and Sari from Tribun Bali. When they attempted to enter the meeting building, they were stopped by several individuals who did not clearly identify themselves or their affiliations.
The day before, during the same event in Bali, a group from the Patriot Garuda Nusantara (PGN) mass organization intimidated and assaulted the organizers and participants of the People's Water Forum. They forcibly seized banners, billboards, and other event materials and also physically assaulted forum participants.
PGN members returned to the venue multiple times, demanding that the PWF 2024 event be halted. PWF 2024 is a civil society forum that serves as a platform to criticize water privatization and advocate for water management that benefits the public.
On the day of the incident, those who engaged in the intimidation covered their faces with sunglasses and masks, and wore hooded jackets. When journalists asked why they were being prohibited from reporting, they did not receive a clear response.