Press freedom in Indonesia has come under threat following disturbing intimidation tactics against Tempo, a leading magazine known for its critical stance on the government. The publication recently received gruesome packages, including a pig’s head and six decapitated rats, a move widely condemned by activists and journalists.
The intimidation appears to be linked to Tempo’s critical reporting on President Prabowo Subianto’s administration, particularly its controversial policies and budget cuts that have sparked public outcry. Prabowo, a former general and son-in-law of Indonesia’s late dictator Suharto, has long faced allegations of human rights abuses, which he denies.
The unsettling deliveries were discovered at Tempo’s office last week. On Thursday, a pig’s head, with its ears removed, was intended for a reporter. Two days later, cleaners at the office found a box containing six rats with their heads severed. In response, Tempo editor-in-chief Setri Yasra denounced the acts as an attempt to undermine the magazine’s work but affirmed the publication’s resolve. “If the intention is to scare, we are not deterred, but stop this cowardly act,” Setri stated.
The incidents have sparked widespread concern among press freedom advocates. Beh Lih Yi, head of the Asia program at the Committee to Protect Journalists, called the acts a “dangerous and deliberate act of intimidation.” Amnesty International Indonesia’s executive director, Usman Hamid, warned that such threats could turn journalism into a “death sentence” in the country.
Indonesian authorities have yet to determine who was responsible for the threats. While Tempo has reported the incidents to the police, concerns remain about the effectiveness of the investigation. Presidential spokesman Hasan Nasbi initially played down the events, suggesting that the magazine should “just cook” the pig’s head. However, after backlash, he later clarified that press freedom must be upheld and such threats taken “seriously.”
Tempo has a long history of challenging authoritarianism and was previously banned twice under Suharto’s rule. Despite the recent threats, the magazine remains steadfast in its commitment to journalistic integrity. The incident underscores the ongoing struggle for press freedom in Indonesia, raising concerns about increasing intimidation tactics against independent media.
