Two journalists in Semarang experienced intimidation while covering the activities of the Mayor of Semarang who accompanied the Secretary of the Ministry of Population and Family Development of the Republic of Indonesia Budi Setiyono at Rumah Pelita, Bandarharjo Village, North Semarang, Semarang City, Friday, January 24 2025.
Journalists had gathered at the location at 8.30 am. After the event was over, the Mayor of Semarang Hevearita Gunaryanti Rahayu walked to her car. Aides and security officers were on standby and had previously informed journalists that there would be no doorstop session.
However, due to editorial assignments, journalists continued to wait and ask about the reason for the Semarang mayor's absence from the Corruption Eradication Commission summons.
Hevearita is currently being questioned as a witness at the Corruption Eradication Commission, regarding alleged corruption in the Semarang city government.
At that time, the aide to the Mayor of Semarang limited the journalists' space by prohibiting them from conducting interviews, covering and taking photos or videos. Even though the building is a public space and journalists are covering for the public interest.
Officers from the Civil Service Police Unit also pulled and pushed Detik journalist Zulfa and Lingkar Jateng journalist Muadz who were going to interview Mayor Hevearita.