RI Govt revokes CNN reporter's palace press pass

 Indonesia’s State Secretary confirmed the government revoked the Palace press pass of a CNN Indonesia journalist, but offered little explanation, saying the administration was focused on addressing food safety problems in the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) program.

Minister of State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi, speaking briefly after a press conference at the Health Ministry on Sunday, said the priority was improving oversight of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN) and the MBG scheme.

“The important thing is BGN and MBG first. Don’t let this happen again,” Hadi said when asked about the revoked credential of journalist Diana Valencia.

He did not elaborate on the revocation process but confirmed the government was completing an evaluation and corrective measures to avoid a repeat of recent food poisoning incidents linked to MBG meals.

Separately, CNN Indonesia Editor-in-Chief Titin Rosmasari confirmed the withdrawal of Valencia’s Palace press card.

She said the incident took place on Saturday around 7:15 p.m. local time, when an officer from the Press, Media and Information Bureau (BPMI) of the Presidential Secretariat collected the card directly from CNN Indonesia’s office.

Rosmasari said she was shocked by the move and questioned the legal basis for stripping the credentials without an official explanation.

CNN Indonesia has sent letters to both BPMI and the State Secretary seeking clarification of the decision.

“We certainly question the reason for revoking the press ID,” Rosmasari said, stressing that Valencia’s questions to President Prabowo Subianto on the MBG program were contextual and of public interest.

CNN Indonesia is scheduled to meet BPMI officials on Monday to follow up on its request for clarification.