Stories shared by female journalists from various regions during the “Towards May Day 2025” webinar titled “Female Journalists Safeguarding Democracy: The Struggle for Press Freedom, Safe Spaces, and Dignified Work”, organised by Perempuan Mahardhika (23/4), reveal that violence against journalists is not individual but structural in nature. This violence isn’t merely the action of one or two people, but rather of many parties from various backgrounds. The prevalence of violence among journalists is perpetuated by a system that fails to provide protection, deliver justice, and silences critical voices.

Systemic and Layered Violence

Disya, a journalist from an online media outlet affiliated with Perempuan Mahardhika Samarinda, described how female journalists often experience sexist jokes from colleagues or sources. She stated that the fear of reporting is extremely high, especially when the perpetrator is a government official or state apparatus. Not infrequently, female journalists who experience violence are positioned as the ones at fault. “Media owners prefer to cover up cases of violence against journalists to maintain relations with the government,” she said. The media’s dependence on those in power makes criticism difficult to express freely.

In another case, Theresia Tekege from Papua recounted her experience when she received a scholarship to report in conflict areas in Papua. Instead of feeling safe as a journalist on a professional mission, she was directly terrorised. “Once at the lodging, I was repeatedly spotlighted. I was scared. Because we are indigenous Papuans, we are also considered not neutral and unprofessional when reporting,” she said. She also experienced sexual violence, but there was almost no avenue to report it.

This phenomenon shows how the identity of female journalists carries not only the burden of the profession but also other layers of vulnerability: ethnicity, gender, even geographical location. This is what is referred to as layered or intersectional violence. Sadly, this has yet to be recognised as an urgent issue in mainstream media discourse.

Femicide and Patriarchal Culture in the World of Journalism

Putri Nadya or Putnad from Banjarbaru raised the case of the murder of Juwita, a female journalist who was killed. However, her death was not linked to her profession by various parties, as if Juwita’s death was an isolated case, unrelated to the system that actively perpetuates and reproduces violence. “Many said, ’Juwita was murdered but not because she was a journalist.’ There were also those who cornered her with morals and norms regarding female virginity,” she explained. These statements exemplify victim-blaming instead of highlighting the perpetrator and the system that enables violence to occur.

The case of Juwita, which Putnad advocated for, is a clear form of femicide: the murder of women because of their gender identity. However, in a media system that remains highly masculine and patriarchal, femicide against female journalists is often ignored, or even has its narrative twisted, worsening the stigma against the victim and leading to revictimisation, where the victim becomes a victim repeatedly.

Protection Remains Minimal, Unions and Collectives Become Solutions

In the face of these violent situations, some female journalists try to seek protection through strengthening collectives. Ajeng from Hatalea, for instance, recounted how she experienced intimidation to unwanted physical contact by officials whilst reporting. “There are things we cannot control during coverage,” she said. In response to that story, Ms Luvi from Konde media suggested that female journalists actively join journalist organisations or unions. “By being collective, we have greater strength. We are not alone,” she said.

In addition to the importance of collectivity, Luvi also highlighted the importance of promoting public journalism as a form of resistance against the hegemony of sensational content that does not side with the people. She emphasised that media should function as policy monitors and public servants, not merely as entertainers or mouthpieces of power. Unfortunately, many media outlets prefer to report on trivial matters such as official affairs or celebrity gossip rather than crucial issues like violence against domestic workers or discriminatory policies. According to her, public journalism is not only in the form of articles but must also be reflected in editorial policy, work culture, and relations with the community.

At Konde.co, these two basic principles are translated through the Konde for Community programme, empowering community members, and the courage to criticise their own institution through feedback mechanisms from members. This step exemplifies how media can be progressive whilst building collective resilience amidst political and economic pressures.

Konde has even begun concrete steps by providing protection and social security not only for permanent staff but also for contributors and interns. At Konde, taking sides with vulnerable groups is considered a form of objectivity. Konde’s journalism is reflected not only in writing but also in policies and editorial work culture.

Urgency of Formal Protection and Progressive Policies

While grassroots initiatives are important, formal protection from the state is still needed. Ninik Rahayu from the Press Council conveyed that violence against female journalists is becoming increasingly complex, including new forms such as Online Gender-Based Violence (OGBV) and attacks through the use of technology and Artificial Intelligence (AI). She emphasised that the form of violence against female journalists is very distinctive, as they become targets not only because of their profession but because of their bodies, “Because women have vaginas,” she explained.

In response to the violence against journalists that has occurred thus far, the Press Council has prepared guidelines for the prevention and handling of sexual violence against journalists, which were launched in 2024. These guidelines are not only for the scope of the Press Council but for all press in Indonesia. In addition to discussing the handling of violence cases, Ninik emphasised that the speed of case handling is crucial. Victims should not be further hurt by processes that are slow or not gender-sensitive. Although indeed, the advocacy process often still faces various challenges, so patience is still needed in fighting for journalists’ rights.

Democracy Incomplete Without Protection for Journalists

Tyas Widuri reflected on the importance of sovereignty for journalists. “When journalists do not receive decent work and are not free, then we are not free as women.” Her statement affirms that the struggle of female journalists is part of the struggle for democracy itself. The right to safe, dignified work free from violence is a non-negotiable human right.

Protecting female journalists means maintaining the continuity of fair, accurate information with a perspective of social justice. Violence against female journalists is not just about individual cases but also a reflection of a social system that has yet to be fair to women. In an ideal media world, a journalist should not have to choose between voicing the truth or maintaining their safety.

Protection for female journalists cannot be delayed. It must come from various directions. Be it state regulations, internal media policies, solidarity among journalists, or changes in organisational culture that has often ignored gender issues. Equally important, the public also needs to be involved in promoting journalism that is safe and fair for all. Because when female journalists are protected, it’s not just them who are protected. All of us—the public, information, truth, and democracy—are also safeguarded.

Annisa Nurul Hidayah Surya

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