Indonesian journalists face job losses and weak protectionsCEFR A2
6 Dec 2025
Adapted from Unknown author, Global Voices • CC BY 3.0
Photo by Mufid Majnun, Unsplash
AI-assisted adaptation of the original article, simplified for language learners.
Journalists and media workers in Indonesia report low pay, short-term contracts and trouble getting benefits when they are dismissed. Advocacy groups say many earn less than the Regional Minimum Wage and freelancers often lack insurance.
On August 27, 2024, Taufiqurrohman and thirteen colleagues were fired by Trans Media Corpora after they formed a union. Eight of them sued the TV station. Trans Media filed an appeal, so both sides must wait another 155 days. The ten-month dispute left some workers without wages. In another case, Bethriq Kindy Arrazy and five others were dismissed from Pinusi without notice by PT Portal Media Nusantara. The Press Council cannot act on labour cases because it has no jurisdiction.
Difficult words
- dismiss — make someone leave their jobdismissed
- freelancer — a person who works for different employersfreelancers
- union — a group of workers who act together
- appeal — ask a higher court to change a decision
- jurisdiction — authority to make legal decisions
- advocacy — public support for a cause or group
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Do you think forming a union can help workers? Why or why not?
- What would you do if you were dismissed without notice?
- Should freelancers have insurance? Explain briefly.
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