Press associations condemn TVRI Aceh layoffs

Four national press associations in Aceh—Persatuan Wartawan Indonesia (PWI), Aliansi Jurnalis Independen (AJI), Ikatan Jurnalis Televisi Indonesia (IJTI), and Pewarta Foto Indonesia (PFI)—have issued a joint statement condemning TVRI Aceh’s decision to lay off 17 contributors.

The decision, which took effect on September 8, 2026, reportedly affected field contributors and six announcers. The associations criticized the administration for communicating the layoffs via WhatsApp, calling it a failure to meet the professional standards expected of a major institution like TVRI.

The contributors in question are reportedly under contract until December 2026. The associations argued that the justifications provided—budget efficiency and changes to the Budget Implementation List (DIPA) not approved by TVRI Central—are insufficient. They suggested that the broadcaster should seek savings in other sectors rather than sacrificing the personnel responsible for news production.