Denpasar, Bali, January 6, 2026, WorldWartaGlobal.id
The Populix research team, in collaboration with the TIFA Foundation, invited journalists who had experienced difficulties covering National Strategic Projects (PSN) to participate in In-Depth Interviews (IDI). This initiative aimed to explore journalists' real-life experiences related to coverage bans, verbal harassment, and other forms of non-physical violence that hindered their journalistic work.
According to an invitation email received by one journalist in Bali, Aulia from the Populix team stated that the respondent data was taken from a previously completed questionnaire. "Based on this information, we understand that you experienced difficulties covering PSN issues, including coverage bans, reporting bans, and verbal harassment," Aulia wrote in the message.
This research focused on the impact of these barriers on press freedom and the safety of journalists in Indonesia. Interviews are scheduled to last 60-90 minutes online, with an emphasis on data confidentiality and the voluntary nature of participation. Respondents have the right to decline questions or stop the session at any time if they feel uncomfortable.
To date, cases of intimidation against journalists covering National Strategic Projects (PSN) continue to surface. In Bali, for example, national infrastructure projects such as the construction of airports or industrial estates often trigger land conflicts with indigenous communities, where journalists face pressure from developers or authorities. Press Council data recorded at least 50 cases of violence against journalists throughout 2025, with 30 percent of these related to coverage of strategic projects.
The TIFA Foundation, known for its active advocacy for freedom of expression, emphasized that the research findings will be used to promote policies to protect journalists. "Participation is voluntary, and all information will be kept confidential for research purposes only," the invitation stated.
@Netti Herawati Selected for Populix-TIFA Research: Revealing Barriers to Journalists Covering National Strategic Projects and Threats to Protection.
Interested journalists are asked to confirm their availability. This initiative is expected to be a concrete step to address the non-physical threats that are increasingly troubling the journalism profession amidst the rise of National Strategic Projects (PSN) across Indonesia.
Netti Herawati, known for her coverage of customary land issues, public policy, and PSN conflicts in Bali, was one of the journalists selected to share her experiences. Interviews are scheduled for 60-90 minutes online, are voluntary, and fully confidential. Participants have the right to decline questions or stop the session at any time. This research is relevant given the rampant intimidation of journalists in Indonesia.
Data from the Press Council 2025 recorded 50 cases of violence, 30 percent of which were related to PSN, such as infrastructure projects in Bali, which frequently trigger land disputes with communities. The TIFA Foundation hopes these findings will encourage stronger protection policies for journalists. To date, there has been no confirmation of Herawati's participation. However, this initiative is considered a crucial step in strengthening the journalist safety index amidst the challenges of covering national strategic projects.
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