<![CDATA[Press freedom constitutes one of the essential indicators of a democratic state that guarantees the public’s right to access information freely and responsibly. In practice, journalists frequently face threats, intimidation, and repressive actions while carrying out their role as social watchdogs over governmental power. This study aims to analyze legal protection for journalists who become victims of terror based on Article 18 paragraph (1) of Law Number 40 of 1999 concerning the Press and to examine the repressive efforts undertaken by journalists in responding to threats against press freedom. This research is normative legal research using statutory and conceptual approaches. Data were collected through library research consisting of legislation, legal literature, scientific journals, and official documents from press organizations. The findings reveal that Article 18 paragraph (1) of the Press Law normatively provides repressive legal protection through criminal sanctions against parties obstructing journalistic activities. However, its implementation remains ineffective due to law enforcement officers’ tendency to apply general criminal provisions in the Criminal Code rather than treating the Press Law as lex specialis. The pig-head terror case against TEMPO journalists demonstrates weak law enforcement and the persistence of impunity that creates a chilling effect on press freedom. In addition to relying on state protection, the press community has also developed collective protection mechanisms through organizational solidarity, strengthened safety protocols, and cooperation with legal protection institutions. This study emphasizes that journalist protection must be positioned as an integral part of the protection of human rights and constitutional democracy. Keywords: legal protection; press freedom; journalist; press law; media terror Abstrak Kemerdekaan pers merupakan salah satu indikator utama negara demokratis yang menjamin hak masyarakat untuk memperoleh informasi secara bebas dan bertanggung jawab. Dalam praktiknya, jurnalis masih sering menghadapi ancaman, intimidasi, dan tindakan represif ketika menjalankan fungsi kontrol sosial terhadap kekuasaan. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menganalisis perlindungan hukum terhadap jurnalis korban teror ditinjau dari Pasal 18 ayat (1) Undang-Undang Nomor 40 Tahun 1999 tentang Pers serta mengkaji upaya represif jurnalis dalam menghadapi ancaman terhadap kebebasan pers. Penelitian ini merupakan penelitian hukum normatif dengan pendekatan perundang-undangan dan pendekatan konseptual. Data diperoleh melalui studi pustaka terhadap peraturan perundang-undangan, literatur hukum, jurnal ilmiah, dan dokumen organisasi pers. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa Pasal 18 ayat (1) UU Pers secara normatif telah memberikan perlindungan represif melalui ancaman pidana bagi pihak yang menghambat kerja jurnalistik. Akan tetapi, implementasinya masih belum efektif akibat kecenderungan aparat penegak hukum menggunakan delik umum dalam KUHP dibandingkan menerapkan UU Pers sebagai lex specialis. Kasus teror kepala babi terhadap jurnalis TEMPO memperlihatkan lemahnya penegakan hukum serta adanya fenomena impunitas yang menimbulkan chilling effect terhadap kebebasan pers. Selain mengandalkan perlindungan negara, komunitas pers juga membangun mekanisme perlindungan kolektif melalui solidaritas organisasi, penguatan protokol keselamatan, dan kerja sama dengan lembaga perlindungan hukum. Penelitian ini menegaskan bahwa perlindungan terhadap jurnalis harus ditempatkan sebagai bagian integral dari perlindungan hak asasi manusia dan demokrasi konstitusional. Kata Kunci: perlindungan hukum; kebebasan pers; jurnalis; UU Pers; teror media]]>
