BALINEWSID.COM, PADANG LAWAS UTARA –  Violence against journalists has resurfaced after a television reporter was allegedly assaulted while carrying out his reporting duties in North Padang Lawas Regency, North Sumatra.

Irvan, a 48-year-old contributor for national private television station tvOne, was attacked on Friday afternoon (March 13, 2026) by a woman identified by the initials YS, a civil servant (ASN) reportedly working at the Gunung Tua Community Health Center under the North Padang Lawas Regency administration.

The incident occurred in the parking area of Pondok Agung Restaurant in Aek Suhat Village, Padang Bolak District. Irvan sustained bruises to his stomach after allegedly being repeatedly punched by the suspect.

Speaking by phone, Irvan said the attack happened shortly after he entered his car.

“I was shocked when a woman wearing an ASN uniform complete with an official ID card from the North Padang Lawas Regency government suddenly became angry. She immediately attacked me even though I was already inside my car,” he said while filing a report at the South Tapanuli Police Station.

According to Irvan, the suspect did not stop at shouting but physically assaulted him several times.

“She punched my stomach about three times and even scratched me. As a result, my stomach was injured,” he said while showing bruises on his body.

Irvan believes the assault was related to his journalistic work after he contacted the suspect to seek confirmation regarding allegations that she was involved in loan-sharking activities despite being a civil servant.

“Earlier, when I asked for confirmation through WhatsApp messages, the suspect had already reacted angrily and responded with insults,” he explained.

The reporter said information gathered during his investigation suggested that the suspect allegedly lent money at high interest rates, with village heads among the reported targets.

“Based on the information we obtained, borrowers were charged high interest. Most of the targets were village heads who were facing financial difficulties. Their appointment decrees as village heads were reportedly used as collateral,” Irvan said.

Following the assault, Irvan filed a police report at the Integrated Police Service Center (SPKT) of the South Tapanuli Police with report number STTLP/B/94/III/2026/SPKT/Polres Tapanuli Selatan/Polda Sumatera Utara.

Separately, South Tapanuli Police Criminal Investigation Unit chief AKP Bontor Sitorus confirmed that authorities had received the report.

“We confirm that we have officially received the victim’s report. This case of violence against a journalist will receive serious attention from the South Tapanuli Police,” he said.