Restrictions on foreign journalists impact journalism in Papua

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Restrictions on foreign journalists impact journalism in Papua

News Desk – Foreign Journalists

1 November 2023

Jayapura, Jubi – Foreign journalists facing restrictions when reporting in Papuais a significant factor impacting the state of journalism in the area. Lucky Ireeuw, the chairman of the Jayapura Independent Journalists Alliance (AJI Jayapura), highlighted this issue during a journalism training program at the Jubi Editorial Office in Jayapura City on October 30, 2023.

Ireeuw mentioned that even though President Joko Widodo had expressed his willingness to allow unrestricted coverage of Papua by journalists, the actual situation on the ground is quite different.

Foreign journalists interested in reporting on Papua must navigate stringent government screening procedures, which can be exceptionally strict.

“Visa-related complications can also lead to their potential deportation to their home countries,” said Ireeuw.

Ireeuw emphasized that the presence of foreign journalists in Papua could bridge information gaps about Papua. He suggested that one effective approach is to encourage collaborative reporting efforts with local journalists.

“It is our responsibility as local journalists to disseminate information,” Irreuw told 14 aspiring Jubi reporters who are participants of the training. (*)