The Shadow of Power Behind Unsolved Terror
As the practice executes every year, LBH Pers (Legal Aid Centre for the Press) presents an annual report as a form of public accountability as well as a reflection on the condition of press freedom in Indonesia. In this 2025 Annual Report, LBH Pers highlights the strengthening of the state’s role in various forms of restrictions and the narrowing of civic space in almost all sectors of democratic life. On that basis, this report raises the theme “The Shadow of Power Behind Unsolved Terror”.
This point of view was born out of our anxiety about the increasing vulnerability of journalists and press freedom, both globally and nationally. UNESCO, in its World Trends in Freedom of Expression and Media Development report, recorded a decline in global freedom of expression by 10% – the worst in the last 12 years.[1] The same report also showed an increase in self-censorship practices among journalists by up to 63%, especially in reporting on issues of corruption, human rights, and environmental damage. This trend is driven by the deterioration of human rights fulfillment; increased attacks on journalists; and crises affecting media business models.[2]
The same condition is also reflected in Indonesia. The symptoms of self-censorship are getting stronger, violence against journalists is increasing, and the media business crisis has led to a wave of layoffs in various press companies. In the midst of this situation, the meaning of reform is increasingly blurred. The state has not been adequately present in ensuring legal protection and access to justice for journalists, media, student press, and resource persons. Many cases of violence stop without resolution, not even a few involving state actors. Instead of making improvements, the government’s response to public criticism is often manifested in tightening regulations and criminalizing expression.
From January to December 12, 2025, LBH Pers monitored 95 cases of attacks on the press. Of these, 23 cases allegedly involved police officers, 13 cases involved public officials or their aides, and 4 (four) cases involved military elements. Most of these cases have not led to thorough law enforcement, reinforcing the practice of impunity and leaving deep trauma for the journalist community. This phenomenon of impunity has transformed into a shadow of power that masks the hope of justice.
Through this report, LBH Pers seeks to unravel data and events to read the power relations behind the recurrence of violence against the press – both through direct action (by commission), or through state neglect (by omission). These findings show the interconnectedness between state authority, legal mechanisms, and impunity in maintaining an unbroken cycle of terror.
The annual report is also a form of solidarity for journalists and freedom of expression defenders who continue to work under threat. LBH Pers expresses its highest appreciation to journalists, resource persons, media and civil society organizations who continue to speak out in the midst of threats.
We realize this report is not perfect. But we hope this report serves as a reminder that press freedom is the fourth pillar of democracy and a key indicator of people’s sovereignty. As long as violence against the press is left unaccountable, democracy will continue to walk on the sharp pebbles of fear and silencing. Happy reading!
Mustafa
Executive Director of LBH Pers
source:
[1] UNESCO, “Silenced voices: Why freedom of expression is receding worldwide,” 17 December 2025,
https://www.unesco.org/en/articles/silenced-voices-why-freedom-expression-receding-worldwide, (accessed 24 December 2025)
[2] Ibid
Download the 2025 LBH Pers Annual Report document below:
