Violence against journalists has occurred again. This time it happened to a senior journalist in the Bangka Belitung Islands Province named Ichsan Mokoginta.

According to the official statement from the press organization Alliance of Independent Journalists (AJI) Pangkalpinang City, the violent incident happened to Ichsan Mokoginta who is a journalist from Trasberita.com.

The attack from an unknown person befell Ichsan at his residence on Jalan Kampung Baru, Petaling Banjar Village, West Mendo District, Bangka Regency on Saturday (25/11/2023, around 13.30 WIB.

When confirmed by AJI Pangkalpinang City, Ichsan explained the chronology of the attack he experienced. The incident began when he was approached by an unknown person wearing a black helmet, dark jacket and white and red checkered long-sleeved shirt.

"The perpetrator used language with a Palembang accent and asked about the house of someone named Mamad, to which I answered that I didn't know. However, the question about Mamad's house kept being repeated," said Ichsan, Sunday (26/11/2023).

Ichsan, who received the uninvited person, felt suspicious and then chose to keep his distance by going deeper into the living room of his house. Ichsan's actions were apparently followed by the perpetrator who also entered the house.

The perpetrator then took out a bottle similar to a vinegar bottle from his pocket and then, using both hands, immediately sprayed the liquid in the bottle at Ichsan.

"The perpetrator then fled on a motorbike after I shouted," he said.

The liquid spray, which was thought to be acid, did not cause significant injuries to Ichsan's body. It's just that the liquid spray made the skin around Ichsan's face, neck and stomach feel hot.

"I suspect that this incident is related to my reporting about the existence of illegal tin mining in Penagan Waters, West Mendo Village. I have been aggressively reporting on the mine. I even reported it when fishermen who rejected the mine sent a report to TNI Headquarters about the involvement of individuals in the mine," explained Ichsan.

Currently, said Ichsan, this incident has been reported to the authorities, namely the West Mendo Sector Police (Polsek), which investigators have followed up by visiting the crime scene (TKP) and asking for information.

"A few days before the physical attack, I was invited to meet by one of the individuals and asked me not to report on the Penagan mine. The day before, I found that I was being followed by people who then monitored activities around my house," he said.