The Alliance of Independent Journalists (AIJ) plays a key role in promoting investigative journalism in Indonesia. Founded in 1994 and based in Jakarta, AJI was the first independent journalists association in Indonesia. Its inception was triggered by the dictatorial regime of Soeharto, which banned several courageous investigative journalism publications, including Tempo Magazine. AJI also provides legal support when independent journalists are sued or harassed because of their muckraking activities.