Indonesian journalists struggle with low pay and job insecurity
A nationwide study by the Alliance of Independent Journalists (AJI), based on responses from over 2,000 journalists, found that the majority are paid below industry standards and lack permanent contracts.
AJI chairwoman Nany Afrida said the situation had not improved in recent years, with high work demands and risks not aligned with the wages received.
"The condition of media workers this May Day is not much different from before," she said in a statement.
Citing digital disruption as a key factor, she explained that as advertisers shift to social media platforms, traditional news outlets are losing revenue and increasingly relying on automation—reducing the need for human reporters.
"Some companies are using this as an excuse to impose exploitative contracts that last for years," she added.
AJI is calling on Indonesia's government to support an independent media sector by maintaining editorial freedom, even when placing state advertisements, while urging journalists to form unions to strengthen their bargaining power.
The group is also demanding for fair redundancy pay for journalists who lose their jobs, in line with Indonesian labour laws.
Indonesia is currently ranked 111th out of 180 countries in the 2024 World Press Freedom Index published by Reporters Without Borders, reflecting ongoing pressure on journalists and media workers.
– BERNAMA
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