Indonesian Journalists Attacked While Covering Tin Mining Dispute
Two journalists were assaulted and detained while reporting on a tin mining dispute in Indonesia's Bangka Belitung province; three suspects have been arrested in connection with the attack.
On March 7, 2026, two journalists were assaulted and detained while covering a dispute at a mineral processing plant in Bangka Belitung province, Indonesia. The incident occurred at the Putraprima Mineral Mandiri facility, where tensions had escalated between small-scale zircon suppliers and a military task force monitoring illegal mining activities.
Frendy Primadana, a contributor to tvOne, and Dedy Wahyudi, a journalist with Babel Faktual, arrived at the plant to report on the situation. Upon arrival, they were stopped at the gate. Wahyudi began filming, prompting a truck driver to allegedly seize his cellphone and punch him in the face. Primadana was then reportedly punched and kicked by the truck driver and a security guard, with up to 20 other individuals joining the attack. The assailants also issued death threats and forced Primadana to record an apology video. Both journalists were rescued by police and received outpatient treatment for injuries, including facial bruising.
Bangka Belitung police announced the arrest of three suspects in connection with the assault: a security guard and an employee of Putraprima, and a truck driver for one of its suppliers. If convicted, they could face up to seven years in prison.
The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) condemned the attack, emphasizing the essential role journalists play in holding businesses accountable for their environmental impact. CPJ's Asia-Pacific Director, Beh Lih Yi, stated,
"We welcome the arrest of three suspects involved in the appalling attack on Frendy Primadana and Dedy Wahyudi. Indonesian authorities must now show with the full force of the law that such assaults will not go unpunished."
The incident underscores the ongoing risks faced by journalists reporting on environmental and mining issues in Indonesia. Authorities have been urged to ensure the safety of media personnel and uphold press freedom in the region.