BALINEWSID.COM, DENPASAR – The Bali chapter of the Indonesian Online Journalists Association (IWO Bali), together with the Bali Journalists Solidarity coalition, has pledged to closely monitor and support four media outlets facing a Rp25 billion civil lawsuit filed by lawyer Togar Situmorang, arguing that the case poses a serious threat to press freedom in Indonesia.

The lawsuit, registered under Case Number 958/Pdt.G/2026/PN Dps at the Denpasar District Court, has drawn widespread concern among journalists and media organizations, who believe the legal action could set a dangerous precedent for the country’s independent press.

As part of their advocacy, the coalition led by Ni Kadek Novi Febriani submitted an Amicus Curiae (Friend of the Court) brief to the Denpasar District Court on Friday (July 17). The submission urges the panel of judges to recognize that disputes arising from journalistic work should be resolved under Indonesia’s Press Law through the Press Council, rather than through civil litigation.

The coalition argues that bringing verified journalistic products before a general court may constitute a Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation (SLAPP)—a legal tactic intended to intimidate journalists and discourage public criticism.

Chairwoman of IWO Bali, Tri Widiyanti, described the Rp25 billion lawsuit as a form of indirect intimidation against the media.

“The press is the fourth pillar of democracy. Filing an enormous civil lawsuit against journalists solely because of their news reporting is a form of concealed intimidation and a SLAPP against press freedom,” Tri said in Denpasar on Saturday (July 18).

In its Amicus Curiae, the Bali Journalists Solidarity coalition also urged the court to apply the principle of restorative justice, citing Constitutional Court Decision No. 145/PUU-XXIII/2025 and Supreme Court Circular (SEMA) No. 13 of 2008.

According to the coalition, both legal instruments affirm that press-related disputes should first be addressed through the Press Council by utilizing the mechanisms of the Right of Reply and Right of Correction, as stipulated under Indonesia’s Press Law, before being brought before the courts.

Tri emphasized that the submission of the Friend of the Court brief reflects the public’s commitment to safeguarding journalists and protecting media independence.

“We hope the honorable panel of judges will accept, review, and consider this Amicus Curiae in reaching its decision. IWO Bali and the wider journalism community are committed to monitoring this case until its conclusion in defense of press freedom,” she said.

The case has become a major focus of attention among media organizations in Bali, with many believing that the court’s ruling could establish an important legal precedent for freedom of expression and the protection of journalistic work in Indonesia.