11 Apr 2012

Calls for Indonesian authorities to investigate death of journalist in Papua

8:21 am on 11 April 2012

The International Federation of Journalists is urging Indonesian authorities to thoroughly investigate the death of a journalist in Papua Province.

"Leiron Kogoya , a journalist for Papua Pos Nabire and Pasifik Pos Dail , was a passenger in a small plane attacked by unidentified shooters while touching down at Mulia Airport, in Papua's Puncak Jaya district."

The 35 year-old was visiting Mulia to cover the local elections in the provincial capital, Jayapura.

In the attack, he received a shot to the right of his neck and died shortly afterwards.

The International Federation of Journalists Asia-Pacific Director, Jacqueline Park, says the latest incident highlights the dangers faced by journalists in Indonesia when carrying out their duties.

She says her organisation and its local affiliate condemns the attacks, and is calling for an active investigation by Indonesian Police to identify and punish those responsible.