Policy Paper on Protection Mechanism for Whistleblowers of Sexual Violence in Mass Media

This policy paper was prepared in response to the lack of protection for reporters and victims of sexual violence in the mass media.

Published by AJI Indonesia, this document underscores the importance of creating a work ecosystem that is safe and free from sexual violence, as well as strengthening mechanisms for handling cases fairly, transparently, and in favor of victims.

In this policy paper, AJI Indonesia identifies the main challenges that sexual violence reporters often face, ranging from the potential for revictimization, the threat of losing their jobs, to the impunity of perpetrators due to unequal power relations.

Therefore, AJI offers concrete guidelines and recommendations for media companies, journalist organizations, and the press community to build a reporting system that favors victims, guarantees confidentiality of identity, and provides adequate legal and psychological protection.

This policy paper emphasizes that reporting sexual violence is not a form of defiance, but an important step towards a more just and equal workspace.

AJI Indonesia urges all circles in the media industry not to ignore whistleblowers and victims, handle cases to produce decisions that support justice for victims.

The protection of whistleblowers is part of the commitment of press institutions to gender justice and the fulfillment of human rights principles.

This policy paper aims to encourage press companies to develop standard operating procedures or SOPs for the prevention and handling of sexual violence for journalists. The SOP will serve as a foundation, providing clarity and certainty for journalists who are victims of sexual violence.

For this reason, we are grateful to International Media Support and the European Union for supporting the preparation of a policy paper on the mechanism for protecting reporters of sexual violence in the mass media.

Writers
Devi P. Wiharjo
Gadrida Rosdiana Djukana
Rachmawati

Editor
Shinta Maharani

Expert Consultant
Ansy Damaris Rihi Dara

Translator
Desy Nurhayati

Content Stylist and Cover Design
Krisna Sahwono 

Illustration
Illustrations on the front and back covers use Creative Commons licensed material.

August 2025