January 23, 2026
Local
Local
KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 23 — Two foreign nationals have become the first individuals in Malaysia to be charged in court for littering under the newly enforced anti-littering law, according to a report by The Star.
JAKARTA, April 3 — Indonesian activists have condemned a new regulation allowing police to monitor foreign journalists and researchers working in the country, warning that it threatens press freedom.
Issued on March 10 but only recently published online, the regulation states that foreigners conducting work in "certain locations" must obtain a police letter—though it does not specify which sites.
Concerns Over Press Freedom
The National Police defended the measure, stating it aims to "maintain state sovereignty" and ensure "protection for foreigners" in Indonesia.
However, Mustafa Layong, executive director of the Legal Aid Institute for the Press, argued that the rule could hinder journalistic and research activities in the country.
"There is a potential for all activities by foreign journalists or researchers to be considered illegal if they do not have the letter," Layong told AFP.
He also emphasized that police have no authority to grant permits for journalistic or research work.
Human Rights Concerns
Human Rights Watch's Andreas Harsono also criticized the rule, saying it could further restrict press freedom and limit reporting on sensitive issues in Indonesia.
"This will likely lead to more underreporting on topics like palm oil, the oppression of sexual, gender, and religious minorities," he told AFP.
Police Response
National Police spokesman Sandi Nugroho insisted the regulation was designed to "provide services and protection" to foreigners, particularly in conflict-prone areas.
He clarified that the police letter was "not mandatory" and that foreign journalists could still operate in Indonesia as long as they complied with existing laws.
Growing Concerns for Press Freedom
Concerns over press freedom in Indonesia have been mounting.
Last month, activists raised alarms after Tempo magazine, a publication critical of President Prabowo Subianto, received threatening deliveries, including a pig’s head and decapitated rats.
Indonesia has also faced scrutiny for past actions against journalists and researchers.
In 2020, American journalist Philip Jacobson was deported over a visa violation after attending a hearing on indigenous rights in Borneo.
In 2022, Jakarta banned five foreign academics who challenged government claims about orangutan population growth, drawing criticism from NGOs accusing the government of suppressing independent research. — AFP
