The Forum of Journalists Against Violence (FORJAK) condemned the act of obstruction and alleged repression against journalists by unscrupulous officers of the Civil Service Police Unit (Satpol PP) at the North Sumatra Governor's Office on Tuesday, September 5, 2023.

The alleged violence and intimidation was carried out by Satpol PP officers of the North Sumatra Provincial Government in the middle of the handover ceremony of the memory of the North Sumatra Governor, Edy Rahmayadi, to Acting Governor Hassanudin.

In an official statement obtained by Liputan6.com from FORJAK, Wednesday (6/9/2023), there were 12 journalists who were victims of obstruction of coverage. It started when a number of journalists wanted to enter the Raja Inal Siregar Hall, Second Floor, North Sumatra Governor's Office, Jalan Pangeran Diponegoro, Medan City.

At the entrance to the hall, a number of Satpol PP members were on guard. At that time, civil servants, citizens and journalists jostled to get into the hall. However, when it was the turn of the journalists to enter, Satpol PP officers blocked them.

A Satpol PP member known as EA Lubis suddenly pulled IDN Times journalist Prayugo Utomo, who was about to enter the hall. The Satpol PP officer asked Prayugo about his identity. After being explained, the Satpol PP even said that IDN Times was not an official media.

"What is IDN Times. It's not official," said EA Lubis.

The Satpol PP officer also pushed and pulled the body of the IDN Times journalist who was about to enter. Likewise with other journalists. The Satpol PP officer pushed them away from the hall entrance.

"We are also surprised, why is it even said to be unofficial. I also did the coverage by carrying out the procedure. Using identification or Press ID. I have also explained nicely, but the Satpol PP officer pulled me away, and still said I was not an official media and could not cover the event," said Prayugo, who also serves as the Coordinator of the Advocacy and Legal Division of Pewarta Foto Indonesia (PFI) Medan.

As a result of the obstruction, Yugo suffered losses. He was unable to cover the event.