Standards for the Protection of Journalists' Profession
Journalists are the main pillars of press freedom. Therefore, in carrying out their professional duties, journalists must receive legal protection from the state, society, and media companies. These Standards for the Protection of Journalists' Profession have been established for this purpose:
Legal Protection: Journalists who adhere to the journalistic code of ethics while performing their duties are entitled to legal protection to ensure the public's right to information.
State, Society, and Company Protection: In carrying out their journalistic duties, journalists receive legal protection from the state, society, and media companies. Journalistic duties include seeking, obtaining, possessing, storing, processing, and conveying information through mass media.
Protection from Violence and Interference: Journalists are protected from acts of violence, seizure, confiscation, and/or theft of work tools, and should not be obstructed or intimidated by any party.
Protection of Journalistic Works: Journalists' works are protected from all forms of censorship.
Special Assignments in Dangerous Areas: Journalists assigned to dangerous and/or conflict areas must be equipped with assignment letters, safety equipment that meets requirements, insurance, and knowledge and skills related to their assignment from the media company.
Neutral Treatment in Armed Conflicts: In journalistic assignments in armed conflict areas, journalists who have identified themselves as journalists and do not use the identity of conflicting parties must be treated as neutral parties and given legal protection, and should not be intimidated, taken hostage, tortured, abused, or killed.
Company Representation in Legal Matters: In cases involving journalistic works, the media company is represented by its responsible personnel.
Right to Refuse Testimony: In testimony related to journalistic works, the responsible personnel can only be questioned about published news. Journalists may use the right to refuse to protect their information sources.
Prohibition of Forced News Creation: Media owners or management are prohibited from forcing journalists to create news that violates the Journalistic Code of Ethics and/or applicable laws.
Jakarta, April 25, 2008
These standards were approved and signed by several media organizations, media company leaders, press figures, related institutions, and the Press Council in Jakarta on April 25, 2008. Before ratification, the draft Standards for the Protection of Journalists' Profession was discussed through a series of discussions held by the Press Council.