The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) welcomes the arrest of seven suspects in the murder of Radar Bali journalist Agung Gede Narendra Prabangsa in Bali, Indonesia.

As a result of rigorous campaigning by the Alliance of Independent Journalists (AJI), an IFJ affiliate, local police reopened an investigation into Prabangsa’s murder and connections to his work as a journalist.

Prabangsa’s body was found on February 16 in the Bungsil Strait, off Karangasem regency, six days after he was reported missing.

At the time, police denied a connection between his death and his work as Radar Bali regional editor.

However, Bali Police Chief Inspector General Teuku Ashikin Husein said on May 25 that Prabangsa’s murder was likely to be connected to a series of investigative reports on alleged corruption in a construction project involving at the local government’s Regency Education Project.

All suspects in the murder are reportedly connected to I Nyoman Susrama, project supervisor at Regency Education Project, who was named as the alleged mastermind of Prabangsa’s murder, AJI reports.

Susrama is also reportedly the brother of newly elected legislative member of Bangli Regency, Regent Nengah Arnawa.

The Jakarta Post named the six other suspects as I Nyoman Rencana, I Komang Gede Wardana, Koman gede, Dewa Sumbawa and Jampes.

“Murdering a journalist for their professional work is a barbaric and cowardly act,” IFJ Asia-Pacific Director Jacqueline Park said.

“The arrests of those suspected to be involved in the murder of Prabangsa should act as a warning that violent retribution against journalists is criminal and will not be tolerated.”

The IFJ commends AJI for its persistence in demanding ongoing investigation by local authorities to ensure the perpetrators of Prabangsa’s murder are brought to justice.

For further information contact IFJ Asia-Pacific on +612 9333 0919

The IFJ represents over 600,000 journalists in 120 countries worldwide