IFJ Disturbed by Attack On Magazine In Indonesia

IFJ Calls For Investigation Of Attack On Magazine In Indonesia

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) is disturbed by reports that Molotov cocktails were thrown at the Jakarta office of Tempo magazine in Indonesia.

The Alliance of Independent Journalists (AJI), an IFJ affiliate, said that local media reported two unidentified men on a motorcycle hurled three Molotov cocktails at the Tempo office in Menteng, South Jakarta, early yesterday morning.

The Jakarta Post said two of the petrol bombs exploded but the resulting fire was quickly extinguished. One of the magazine’s security guards said the two suspects threw the bombs about 2.40 am.

The Post noted that the attack followed a Tempo cover story on alleged suspicious bank accounts held by several high-ranking police officers.

“The IFJ condemns this attack, which appears to be an attempt to intimidate Tempo’s journalists who are well-known guardians of independent and critical journalism,” IFJ Asia-Pacific Director Jacqueline Park said.

“The IFJ calls for a full inquiry into this vicious attack, and assurance that the perpetrators are brought to justice.”

The Tempo story reported that at least seven high-ranking police officers were allegedly hoarding billions of rupiah in their bank accounts, transferred from third parties.

The Jakarta Post reported on June 29 that 10 men - thought to be police officers - bought 2425 copies of the magazine featuring the story. Another distributor in Central Jakarta reported that a man bought 1200 copies of the same issue, while in Bandung, West Java, 1100 copies were sold before 9am the same day.

ENDS

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