Two Palembang Journalists Attacked While Covering Forest and Land Fire Protest

Two journalists in Palembang, Rachmad Kurniawan and Mulyadi were assaulted by a group of individuals dressed in black while covering a demonstration regarding forest and land fires in front of the South Sumatra Regional Police headquarters on Tuesday, October 13, 2026.

National media reported, on Tuesday, a group of students arrived at the scene in a "command vehicle" (a truck equipped with a sound system). At the same time, a group of men dressed in black were also present, distributing face masks.

As the command vehicle approached the entrance to the police headquarters, the individuals in black, whose affiliation remains unknown—forced the students to disembark. The driver of the vehicle was also nearly beaten by the group. Police officers on duty attempted to intervene, but the group suddenly began pursuing the students.

Rachmad who was conducting a live broadcast via Facebook, became a target. Despite identifying himself as a journalist, he was dragged, trampled, and kicked by the group, leaving him with various bruises.

Mulyadi faced a similar ordeal, he attempted to assist Rachmad during the assault but was subsequently targeted and beaten by the same group. Both men were intimidated and pressured to delete footage of the altercation. The assailants also attempted to seize their mobile phones, though they were unsuccessful.

Mulyadi was later admitted to the Bhayangkara M. Hasan Hospital in Palembang for treatment, having sustained a split lip during the attack.