Raisye Soleh Haghia, Susanto Zuhdi, Linda Sunarti

Building a Fortress of Independent Journalism: Historical Study of the Role of Aliansi Jurnalis Independen (AJI) in Indonesia, 1994-1999

Introduction

Building a fortress of independent journalism: historical study of the role of aliansi jurnalis independen (aji) in indonesia, 1994-1999. Pelajari peran historis Aliansi Jurnalis Independen (AJI) dalam membangun jurnalisme independen & memperjuangkan kebebasan pers di Indonesia (1994-1999) di tengah represi Orde Baru.

Abstract

Abstract: The democratic transition period in Indonesia (1994-1999) became crucial for developing independent journalism. Aliansi Jurnalis Independen (AJI) emerged as a firm and strong organization that fought for press freedom and built a fortress of independent journalism amid the New Order repression. This study aims to analyze AJI's strategy in building and fighting for independent journalism in Indonesia during this period. Using historical analysis and a qualitative approach, this study explores AJI's contribution to voicing the interests of journalists, fighting for freedom of expression, and rejecting state intervention in the press. The data was collected through literature studies, analysis of organizational documents, and in-depth interviews with AJI activists. This research opens a new understanding of AJI's efforts to achieve press freedom in the New Order era through a review of AJI's strategy for developing independent journalism in Indonesia. This study's results show that AJI uses conventional strategies such as advocacy and education and innovative strategies such as networking, solidarity, and publications. These strategies have proven effective in strengthening independent journalism in Indonesia, with the realization of a freer and professional journalistic environment. Abstrak: Periode transisi demokrasi di Indonesia (1994–1999) menjadi masa krusial bagi tumbuhnya jurnalisme independen. Aliansi Jurnalis Independen (AJI) muncul sebagai organisasi yang tegas dan kuat dalam memperjuangkan kebebasan pers serta membangun benteng jurnalisme independen di tengah represi Orde Baru. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menganalisis strategi AJI dalam membangun dan memperjuangkan jurnalisme independen di Indonesia selama periode tersebut. Dengan menggunakan pendekatan historis dan kualitatif, studi ini menggali kontribusi AJI dalam menyuarakan kepentingan jurnalis, memperjuangkan kebebasan berekspresi, serta menolak intervensi negara terhadap pers. Data diperoleh melalui studi literatur, analisis dokumen organisasi, dan wawancara mendalam dengan aktivis AJI. Penelitian ini membuka pemahaman baru mengenai upaya AJI dalam meraih kebebasan pers di era Orde Baru, melalui peninjauan terhadap strategi-strategi AJI dalam mengembangkan jurnalisme independen di Indonesia. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa AJI tidak hanya menggunakan strategi konvensional seperti advokasi dan edukasi, tetapi juga strategi inovatif seperti membangun jaringan, solidaritas, dan penerbitan. Strategi-strategi ini terbukti efektif dalam memperkuat jurnalisme independen di Indonesia, ditandai dengan terciptanya iklim jurnalistik yang lebih bebas dan profesional.

Review

This historical study, "Building a Fortress of Independent Journalism: Historical Study of the Role of Aliansi Jurnalis Independen (AJI) in Indonesia, 1994-1999," addresses a crucial and highly relevant period in Indonesian history. The abstract clearly outlines the paper's objective: to meticulously analyze the strategies employed by Aliansi Jurnalis Independen (AJI) in establishing and advocating for independent journalism during Indonesia's democratic transition, specifically from 1994 to 1999. This timeframe is particularly significant, marked by the severe repression of the New Order regime, making the emergence and sustained efforts of an organization like AJI a compelling subject for scholarly inquiry. The chosen methodology, a qualitative historical analysis drawing upon literature, organizational documents, and in-depth interviews with AJI activists, appears robust and well-suited to the research question. The research makes a valuable contribution by shedding new light on AJI's pivotal role in challenging state intervention and fostering press freedom. The abstract highlights the study's ability to offer a deeper understanding of AJI's strategies, moving beyond a simplistic view. The findings are particularly insightful, demonstrating that AJI effectively utilized a dual approach: conventional strategies such as advocacy and education, complemented by innovative methods like networking, solidarity building, and publications. These comprehensive tactics were evidently effective, as the study concludes they strengthened independent journalism in Indonesia, ultimately contributing to a more professional and free journalistic environment. The reliance on primary sources, particularly interviews with activists, adds significant depth and authenticity to the historical narrative. Overall, this paper promises to be a significant addition to the literature on media history, democratic transitions, and civil society movements in Southeast Asia. While the abstract strongly conveys the paper's strengths and contributions, the full study could potentially further enhance its impact by detailing the specific challenges AJI encountered in implementing these strategies and how they navigated resistance from both state and potentially other media actors. Nevertheless, the study's focus on AJI's resilience and strategic acumen in the face of authoritarianism provides critical lessons for contemporary contexts globally where press freedom remains under threat. This research not only reconstructs a vital chapter in Indonesian media history but also serves as an inspiring account of how organized efforts can build and defend independent journalism.

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