23-3-2025 (JAKARTA) The renowned weekly publication Tempo has become the target of sinister intimidation tactics, sparking grave concerns over press freedom in Southeast Asia’s largest democracy.
The prestigious magazine, which has stood as a beacon of investigative journalism since the 1970s, discovered macabre deliveries at their Jakarta offices – six decapitated rats on Saturday, following Thursday’s discovery of a mutilated pig’s head sans ears intended for one of their reporters.
These disturbing incidents have emerged against a backdrop of Tempo’s critical coverage of President Prabowo Subianto’s administration, particularly their recent reporting on contentious budget reductions that triggered widespread demonstrations. Subianto, a former military general with familial ties to former dictator Suharto through marriage, faces unresolved allegations regarding the disappearance of pro-democracy activists during Suharto’s final days in power.
ALERTA!!!
Kantor redaksi tempo kembali di teror dengan pelemparan kotak berisi berisi bangkai tikus yang di penggal. Teror ini merupakan teror kedua terhadap kantor redaksi Tempo dalam 3 hari. #kamibersamatempo pic.twitter.com/1VIEhG6rgE
— LBH PERS (@lbhpersjakarta) March 22, 2025
The publication’s resolve remains unshaken, with Editor-in-Chief Setri Yasra declaring their commitment to journalistic integrity whilst condemning these “cowardly” intimidation attempts. This steadfast stance reflects Tempo’s historical resilience, having survived two publishing bans under Suharto’s regime before re-emerging after his departure in the late 1990s.
The presidential spokesman’s initial response proved controversial, with Hasan Nasbi suggesting the magazine should “just cook” the pig’s head – a remark he later attempted to temper by affirming support for press freedom. Meanwhile, law enforcement has launched an investigation following Tempo’s formal complaint.
Press freedom advocates have voiced serious concerns, with the Committee to Protect Journalists’ Asia programme head, Beh Lih Yi, denouncing the incidents as calculated intimidation. Amnesty International Indonesia’s executive director Usman Hamid issued a stark warning, suggesting that journalism in Indonesia risks becoming “like a death sentence” without proper protections.
The unsettling events have reignited discussions about media freedom in Indonesia, particularly given Tempo’s role in scrutinising government policies, including recent controversial budget cuts that sparked national protests.
