Code of Ethics of The Alliance of Independent Journalists (Indonesia)

Adopted by The Alliance of Independent Journalists [Aliansi Jurnalis Independen, AJI] in Jakarta, on July 12th, 1998.

1. A journalist respects the right of society to obtain correct information.

2. A journalist always defends the principles of free and balanced coverage, criticism and comments.

3. A journalist gives a voice to groups who do not have the strength or opportunity to voice their aspirations.

4. A journalist only reports those facts and opinions that have a clear source.

5. A journalist does not hide important information that must be known to society.

6. A journalist obtains news, photographs and documents in an ethical manner.

7. A journalist respects the right for a source to give background information, off the record and to set embargoes.

8. A journalist immediately corrects any news he/she knows to be inaccurate.

9. A journalist maintains the secrecy of the source of confidential information, the identity of victims of sexual abuse and of underage criminal offenders.

10. A journalist avoids hatred, prejudice, derogatory attitudes and discrimination in the areas of: ethnicity, race, gender, sexual orientation, language, religion, political views, physical disabilities/ illness, mental disabilities/ illness or other matters of social background.

11. A journalist respects the privacy of the individual, except when this would be detrimental to society.

12. A journalist does not present news that graphically portrays indecency, cruelty, physical or sexual violence.

13. A journalist does not use his/her position or the information he/she possesses to pursue personal gain.

14. A journalist is forbidden to receive bribes. NB: Bribery is all forms of presents and gifts, such as money, goods and/or other facilities, which could influence journalists in their jobs.

15. A journalist is not permitted to plagiarise.

16. A journalist avoids slandering and damaging reputations.

17. A journalist avoids intervention from other parties, which seek to obstruct the application of the above principles.

18. Cases related to the Code of Ethics will be handled by the Council for the Code of Ethics.