A dispute over tin mining in the Bangka Belitung Islands, off the coast of Sumatra, Indonesia, turned violent on March 7, resulting in the assault and brief detention of three journalists. The incident has drawn condemnation from international press freedom organizations, who are calling for swift accountability for those responsible. The journalists—Frendy Primadana of TV One, Dedy Wahyudi of Beritafakta.com, and Wahyu Kurniawan of Suarapos.com—were covering tensions between local residents and authorities regarding allegations of illegal tin sand mining when they were attacked.
The incident unfolded at a warehouse belonging to PT Putra Prima Mineral Mandiria (PT PPMM), a sand mining company, in Air Anyir Village, Merawang District, Bangka Regency. According to reports, the journalists were alerted to a commotion stemming from a dispute involving inspections of supplier trucks by officers from Indonesia’s Tri Cakti Task Force. The situation escalated into a physical altercation, prompting the journalists to investigate.
Upon arriving at the PT PPMM warehouse, the journalists were initially denied entry despite presenting press credentials. When Wahyudi began filming the scene, he was allegedly punched multiple times in the face by a truck driver, according to Kompas.id. Kurniawan attempted to escape, but was apprehended by security guards and the truck driver, while Primadana was also caught. The journalists were then allegedly detained for approximately one hour, subjected to death threats, and coerced into recording an apology video. Their phones were confiscated, and they were forced to delete their recordings.
Journalists Injured, Police Respond
The journalists were eventually rescued by police officers and transported to Air Anyir General Hospital for medical treatment. Primadana’s condition worsened in the days following the assault, requiring admission to intensive care due to his facial injuries. The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and its affiliate, Aliansi Jurnalis Independen (AJI) Indonesia, have strongly condemned the attack, emphasizing the violation of press freedom guaranteed under Indonesian law.
Babel Regional Police have confirmed the arrest of three suspects in connection with the assault: the truck driver, a PT PPMM security officer, and a PT PPMM employee, Media Indonesia reported. If convicted, the suspects could face up to seven years in prison.
Broader Concerns About Mining Practices
The assault on the journalists has also brought renewed scrutiny to the practices of PT PPMM. The company has reportedly been accused of illegally shipping zircon out of its designated Mining Business Permit (IUP) area on Bangka Island, prompting calls for a thorough investigation by authorities, according to Indonesia Business Post. The Bangka Belitung Islands, situated off the southeastern coast of Sumatra, are a province of Indonesia comprised of the islands of Bangka and Belitung, and numerous smaller islands.
Press Freedom Under Threat
AJI stated that the attack on Primadana and Wahyudi “constitutes a serious violation of press freedom as guaranteed under Indonesia’s Press Law (Law No. 40/1999), which affirms that journalists have the right to seek, obtain, and disseminate information without intimidation or violence.” The organization further emphasized that such acts are criminal offenses and undermine the legal protections afforded to the press.
The IFJ echoed these concerns, stating, “This intimidation and violence must be condemned in keeping with the laws that are there to protect journalists in Indonesia. There must be a full and transparent prosecution of those responsible, and the company also held to account for the actions of its employees.”
The incident highlights the ongoing challenges to press freedom in Indonesia, particularly when reporting on sensitive issues such as natural resource management and alleged illegal activities. The Bangka Belitung Islands, with a population of approximately 1,531,530 as of a mid-2024 estimate, are a region where the balance between economic development and environmental protection remains a key concern.
Next Steps in the Investigation
As of March 19, 2026, the three suspects remain in custody pending further investigation. Authorities have not yet announced a timeline for the trial. The Babel Regional Police are continuing to gather evidence and interview witnesses. Further updates on the case are expected in the coming weeks. The outcome of this case will be closely watched by press freedom advocates both within Indonesia and internationally.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks faced by journalists reporting from the field. We encourage readers to share this story and support organizations dedicated to protecting press freedom around the world.
