Why Do Journalists Often Practice Self-Censorship? This Survey Reveals the Answer.

According to a survey report by the TIFA Foundation, 56% of Indonesian journalists surveyed had engaged in self-censorship of their journalistic work.

"This self-censorship can occur for various reasons, such as fear of legal threats, political pressure, or risks to personal safety," wrote the TIFA Foundation in its report, *Journalist Safety Index 2024: Threats and Risks to Journalist Safety during the Transition Period*.

45% admitted to having engaged in self-censorship at least once during 2024.

28% reported doing so 2-5 times, 6% between 6-10 times, and 3% more than 10 times throughout last year.

Furthermore, 18% always or almost always self-censored when dealing with sensitive news.

The survey also revealed that the majority, or 57%, of respondents engaged in self-censorship to avoid excessive conflict or controversy.

Other reasons included protecting sources or confidential information (48%), concern for personal safety (37%), and having experienced pressure from certain parties (17%).

The TIFA Foundation conducted this survey in collaboration with Populix, involving 760 active journalists.

The majority of respondents were field journalists (68%), followed by editors/sub-editors (17%), chief editors (10%), and managing editors (6%).

Respondents were spread across Java (48%), Sumatra (19%), Kalimantan (9%), Bali-Nusa Tenggara (6%), Papua (5%), and Maluku-Maluku Utara (5%).

Data collection was conducted from October 30 to December 6, 2024, using two methods: quantitative and qualitative.

In addition to the survey, secondary data was collected, including data on violence against journalists compiled by the Indonesian Alliance of Independent Journalists (AJI) over the past five years, and in-depth interviews with several media stakeholders.