Indonesia: RSF calls for thorough investigation into suspicious death of journalist in house fire

A coalition of Indonesian press freedom organizations published a report on July 2, 2024 that the death of Sempurna Pass:Journalist for Tribrata TV who died in a house fire, was a criminal act. According to a witness, five unknown people were seen walking towards the journalist’s house in the town of Kabanjahe in western Indonesia on the night of June 27, 30 minutes before the fire. Sempurna’s wife, son and grandson also died in the fire.

In the days before the tragedy, the 40-year-old journalist received threats from officials in response to his articles on the television station’s website about a illegal gambling den owned by a local army officeras well as his coverage of local campaigns against drug use, illegal gambling and prostitution. Army and police officers also contacted the editor-in-chief of Tribrata TVwho pushed for the removal of the articles, but their demands remained unanswered.