The Alliance of Independent Journalists (AJI) was born as the Indonesian press community resistance against the arbitrariness of the New Order regime. The beginning was the banning of Seconds, Editor and Tempo, June 21, 1994. All three were banned for preaching classified as critical to the ruler. Repressive measures that triggered a solidarity action at the same time the resistance of many circles evenly in several cities.

After that, the resistance movement continues to crystallize. Finally, about 100 people comprising journalists and columnists gathered in Sirnagalih, Bogor, August 7, 1994. On that day they signed the Declaration Sirnagalih. The essence of this declaration is demanding the fulfillment of the public right to information, against the restraint of the press, refused a single forum for journalists, and announced the establishment of AJI.