CNN Indonesia Fires 11 Journalists for Forming Union, Prompting IFJ and Media Groups to Condemn Union-Busting

September 02, 2024 – Indonesia –

In a brazen move that violates labor rights, CNN Indonesia terminated up to 11 journalists and media workers on August 31, 2024, just days after they registered a union via the Ministry of Manpower (Solidaritas Pekerja CNN Indonesia, SCPI) on August 27. The terminations coincided with unjustified salary cuts that began in June, affecting on‑air and digital staff without prior consultation (AJI highlighted unilateral decisions by management).

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), together with Indonesia’s Alliance of Independent Journalists (AJI), SINDIKASI, and the National Union of Journalists (NUJ UK), issued immediate statements condemning the dismissals as illegal and unconstitutional under Indonesian labor and human rights law. IFJ called for a full investigation, reversal of terminations, restoration of salaries, return of access to company systems, and reinstatement of all affected journalists.

SCPI’s union was formed following mounting frustration over pay cuts and managerial intimidation. Journalists reported repeated threats from management to deter union efforts. Following layoffs, 8 of the dismissed staff took their case to court in Jakarta, with notable colleagues like award‑winning producer Miftah Faridl publicly documenting their struggle.

Union busting is explicitly outlawed by Article 28 of Indonesia’s Labor Union Law and protected under the 1945 Constitution, alongside International Labour Organization Conventions No. 87 and 98. The swift retaliation against SCPI suggests deliberate suppression of worker rights and workplace organizing within a major media outlet.

This incident sheds light on the precarious state of media worker rights in Indonesia, a country that otherwise upholds constitutional protections while grappling with inconsistent enforcement. The broader context shows a pattern: only about 20% of Indonesian media firms allow union presence, contributing to staff vulnerability.

Reference –

https://www.nuj.org.uk/resource/indonesia-journalists-fired-by-cnn-indonesia.html

https://www.womeninjournalism.org/alerts/indonesia-cnn-indonesia-fires-11-union-members-days-after-union-registration

Indonesia: CNN Indonesia fires up to 11 journalists’ days after union formed – IFJ