BALINEWSID.COM, BATAM — Concerns over alleged excessive action against journalists have resurfaced after the chairman of the Indonesian Online Journalists Association (IWO) Batam, Oki Indra, said his mobile phone was seized and footage from his journalistic coverage was deleted while he was reporting on a raid at F1 Club in the Hotel Planet Holiday area of Batam on Saturday (August 15, 2026).

Oki alleged that the action was carried out by a member of the National Police Criminal Investigation Department’s Narcotics Directorate (Dittipidnarkoba Bareskrim Polri) who was present at the operation.

According to Oki, he repeatedly identified himself as a journalist and explained that he was carrying out his professional duties. He also said that he was recording from an open area.

“I repeatedly told them that I was a journalist. I was taking pictures from an open area. But my phone was still seized and the coverage footage was deleted,” Oki said.

The deleted footage was later recovered, he said, because it remained in the phone’s trash folder.

Oki said the incident would be brought to the Police Professional and Security Division (Propam) at National Police Headquarters. He called for an objective and transparent investigation into the alleged actions against him.

He said the issue was not merely about his mobile phone, but also concerned the protection of journalists and press freedom while carrying out their journalistic duties.

According to Oki, electronic devices used by journalists are essential working tools. They may contain photographs, videos, interview recordings and other materials that form part of the news-gathering process.

He therefore questioned the legal basis and procedures for taking a journalist’s working device or deleting journalistic material while the journalist is performing professional duties.

Oki stressed that he did not object to law enforcement officers exercising their authority when such actions have a legal basis. However, he said all authorities must be exercised in accordance with established procedures.

“If a journalist violates the law, there are legal mechanisms that can be used. Likewise, if there are allegations that an officer has exceeded his authority, the matter must be investigated in accordance with the law,” he said.

Oki said he hoped the incident would become an opportunity to strengthen understanding of journalists’ protection while working in the field.

He said journalists and police officers both play important roles in providing information and public services. Their relationship, he argued, should therefore be built on professionalism and mutual respect.

“We hope the Head of Propam at National Police Headquarters and the National Police Chief will immediately investigate the officers allegedly involved. We are partners, so why should there be arrogance?” Oki said.

IWO Batam called for the investigation to clarify the alleged seizure of Oki’s phone and deletion of his reporting footage, while ensuring that similar incidents do not happen to other journalists carrying out their professional duties.

The case has drawn attention because it raises broader questions about the limits of law enforcement authority in the field and the protection of press freedom in carrying out its role as a public watchdog.