Indonesia – Pelataran.com__ Jakarta – Behind the rapid growth of online media in Indonesia lies a disturbing trend: journalists are not only unpaid but are often required to spend their own money just to work. This includes fees for administrative processes such as obtaining Membership ID Cards (KTA), official assignment letters, and even being asked to cover operational costs like website maintenance.
This phenomenon adds to the long list of labor rights violations in the press sector, which should otherwise be guaranteed by Law No. 40 of 1999 regarding the Press and other labor regulations.
The Boom of Online Media: A Breeding Ground for Exploitation
While there are tens of thousands of online media outlets, only a small fraction are officially verified. This has created a vast space for the emergence of “shady media” operations, many of which run without adhering to legitimate press company standards.
In this environment, unethical practices have flourished. Many individuals are recruited as “journalists” without proper professional procedures, only to be burdened with various fees under the pretext of administration or operations.
Abnormal Practices: From Zero Salary to “Pay-to-Work” Schemes
Common patterns found in the field include:
– Journalists receiving no salary at all.
– Implementation of a “pay-to-work” system.
– Charging fees for:- Issuance of Press ID Cards.
– Coverage assignment letters.
– Renewal of press identification.
– Demanding financial contributions for:- Website development or repairs.
– Newsroom operational costs.
– Income depends solely on vague “field negotiations” with no clear standards.
These practices clearly deviate from legitimate employment principles and constitute a form of hidden exploitation.
A Clear Violation of the Law
These conditions contradict multiple regulations:
– Article 10 of the Press Law: Companies are obligated to ensure employee welfare.
– Manpower Law: Employers are required to pay wages.
– Wage Regulation Government Decree: Wages cannot be below the minimum standard.
– BPJS Law: Mandatory provision of social security.
Furthermore, demanding payment from employees in exchange for work can be categorized as:
– Violation of labor relations.
– Indications of fraud or misuse of press status.
– Unfair labor practices.
An Unhealthy Industry: Journalists as Victims
Weak business models—relying heavily on clicks with minimal revenue—are often used as excuses. In practice, however, this burden is shifted entirely onto the workers.
Instead of being salaried employees, journalists are positioned as “partners” without clear legal protection, despite performing full-time work duties.
Consequences:
– No income certainty.
– No work safety guarantees.
– No legal protection in case of disputes.
Serious Risks to Press Credibility
This situation not only harms workers but also directly impacts journalistic quality. Unpaid journalists burdened with operational costs are highly vulnerable to:
– “Envelope journalism” (accepting bribes).
– Conflicts of interest.
– Producing paid or non-independent news.
In the long run, this erodes public trust in the media.
Real Legal Threats
Companies engaging in these practices face potential legal action, including:
– Administrative sanctions from the Press Council.
– Criminal labor charges (imprisonment and fines).
– Civil lawsuits by employees.
– Revocation of press company status.
– If proven to collect illegal fees, cases can lead to general criminal charges.
A Widespread and Systemic Issue
This is not an isolated case. Reports from various regions indicate a pattern: individuals are recruited as journalists with promises of press identification, only to be unpaid and charged administrative fees. This indicates a systemic problem, not just individual misconduct.
The Principle: Work is to Earn, Not to Pay
In a legitimate employment relationship, the principle is clear: Workers get paid; they do not pay to work. If the opposite occurs, it indicates a serious violation of law and ethics.
Call for Action
There are growing demands for the Government and the Press Council to:
– Take firm action against unverified media.
– Supervise journalist recruitment practices.
– Protect press workers from exploitation.
– Close loopholes allowing the misuse of media status.
Conclusion
The message is clear: If a media outlet asks a journalist to pay in order to work, that is not professionalism—it is a red flag.
A healthy press industry can only stand on justice for its workers. Without it, press freedom remains merely an illusion. The law must intervene before this practice spreads further and tarnishes the face of journalism in Indonesia.
