Aceh journalists condemn army phone seizure during protest

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published: 6 January 2026 |  JP Asia Desk

Indonesian journalists in Aceh have condemned an army officer for seizing a reporter's phone while covering a peaceful protest over flood response, calling it unlawful intimidation and demanding accountability.

Summary

BANDA ACEH — Journalists in Indonesia’s Aceh province condemned the alleged military seizure of a reporter’s phone while he was documenting a peaceful protest over the government’s flood response, calling the act unlawful intimidation of the press and an obstruction of legitimate journalistic work protected under national press law. The Alliance of Independent Journalists (AJI) Lhokseumawe chapter said the incident on December 25 highlighted ongoing concerns about security forces interfering with reporting and undermining media freedom in the region.

AJI said the reporter, identified as Muhammad Fazil of Portalsatu.com and coordinator of the AJI Lhokseumawe Advocacy Division, was covering a demonstration outside the North Aceh Regent’s Office when a military officer first told him to delete video footage he was recording. Fazil explained that he was a professional journalist and refused to erase the recordings. Moments later, another soldier allegedly returned and attempted to seize his phone, damaging the device during a brief struggle.

Journalists say phone seizure undermines reporting

AJI’s chair in Lhokseumawe, Zikri Maulana, described the episode as more than a simple misunderstanding, calling it a “blatant abuse of power” that showed a lack of understanding by authorities of press law protections. Under Indonesia’s Law No 40 of 1999 on the Press, deliberate obstruction of journalistic work can carry criminal sanctions, including fines or imprisonment.

The association stressed that journalists have a legal right to document public events and that interference by state forces creates a chilling effect on media coverage, especially during sensitive events like disaster response protests. The protest itself centered on demands for greater government action after deadly flash floods in Sumatra.

Military acknowledges wrongdoing

Officials from Military District Command 0103 North Aceh acknowledged the incident, with Commander Lieutenant Colonel Jamal Dani Arifin saying the action was unjustified and that disciplinary measures would follow in accordance with military regulations. The phone was later returned, and the military said it saw journalists as partners in balanced reporting.

AJI and press advocates are urging higher military leadership to conduct a full investigation, hold those responsible to account, and provide concrete guarantees for journalist safety in high-tension or disaster zones. They also called for compensation for the damaged equipment.

AJI’s stance reflects broader concerns in Indonesia about incidents where journalists face intimidation, confiscation of equipment, or pressure while covering protests or other public events, challenging press freedom despite constitutional guarantees.

ATTRIBUTION: Reporting is based on verified accounts from the Alliance of Independent Journalists and statements from Indonesian military officials and press freedom groups.

PHOTO: AI-generated; for illustrative purposes only.