President Prabowo Backs Press Freedom: CNN Indonesia Reporter’s Access Restored After Brief Revocation
Jakarta, Indonesia – September 30, 2025 – In a swift reversal, CNN Indonesia reporter Diana Valencia has had her credentials to cover presidential events fully reinstated following a meeting with officials from the Presidential Secretariat News Agency. The incident, which briefly raised concerns about press freedom in Indonesia, concluded with a formal apology and a commitment to prevent similar occurrences in the future. This is a developing story, and archyde.com is committed to bringing you the latest updates as they unfold. This breaking news event underscores the importance of a free press in a democratic society, and the need for clear communication between media and government.
The Dispute and the Apology
The controversy began last Saturday (September 27th) when Diana Valencia’s media ID was temporarily revoked. Details surrounding the initial revocation were initially scarce, but today’s meeting at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta shed light on the situation. Yusuf Permana, Deputy Director of Agreement, News and Media Affairs at the Presidential Secretariat, publicly apologized to Valencia and CNN Indonesia News, stating that Erlin Suastini, Director of the Office of News, Media and Information, personally delivered the apology.
“We make sure that such incidents will not happen again,” Yusuf stated to the media. “The Director of the News and Media Bureau has also apologized for the withdrawal of their documents.” The Presidential Secretariat emphasized its commitment to the principles of openness, transparency, and freedom of the press, as enshrined in Indonesia’s Press Act No. 40 of 1999.
President Prabowo’s Stance on Press Freedom
Crucially, the restoration of Valencia’s access was directly linked to President Prabowo’s strong support for a free press. Yusuf Permana highlighted that President Prabowo “remains, very persistent in the openness and freedom of news,” and that reinstating the reporter’s certificate was intended to facilitate continued engagement with journalists, particularly in covering the administration’s priority plans. This signals a clear message from the President regarding the value he places on media coverage and public accountability.
Navigating Presidential Protocol: A Delicate Balance
While the immediate issue has been resolved, the Presidential Secretariat did indicate that future communication regarding interview procedures may be more formalized. Valencia herself acknowledged the need for ongoing coordination regarding interview logistics, including location and impromptu questioning. “There will inevitably be a coordination process on the site about the interview location, impromptu interview and its content,” she said. However, she expressed gratitude for the apology and the assurance that this revocation would be a singular event.
This situation highlights a common challenge in presidential coverage globally: balancing the need for access and transparency with the security and logistical considerations of the presidential office. Effective communication and mutual respect between journalists and government officials are paramount to ensuring a healthy and informative media landscape. Understanding the nuances of presidential protocol – from pre-arranged interviews to the possibility of spontaneous questions – is a key skill for any White House or Presidential Palace correspondent.
The Importance of Press Credentials and Access
A reporter’s credentials aren’t merely a pass to enter a building; they represent the public’s right to know. The ability to freely access information and report on government activities is a cornerstone of democracy. Incidents like this, even when quickly resolved, serve as a reminder of the fragility of these freedoms and the importance of vigilance in protecting them. For aspiring journalists, understanding the legal frameworks surrounding press access – like Indonesia’s Press Act No. 40 of 1999 – is crucial. Furthermore, building strong relationships with press officials and demonstrating a commitment to ethical journalism can help prevent misunderstandings and ensure continued access.
The swift resolution of this incident, coupled with President Prabowo’s public support for press freedom, sends a positive signal about the state of media relations in Indonesia. Archyde.com will continue to monitor this story and provide updates as they become available, offering in-depth analysis and reporting on the intersection of politics, media, and freedom of expression. Stay tuned to archyde.com for the latest breaking news and insightful commentary.
