Press freedom groups have urged Indonesian authorities to investigate what they describe as acts of intimidation against Tempo Magazine after the publication was sent mutilated animal carcasses in two separate incidents last week.
The magazine, known for its investigative reporting and history of scrutinizing those in power, reported receiving a pig’s head on Wednesday, followed by a box containing six headless rats three days later.
The packages arrived without any messages or claims of responsibility, Tempo said on Monday.
What is Tempo, and Why Does This Matter?
Tempo has long been one of Indonesia’s most respected publications, often drawing the ire of political elites.
During the authoritarian rule of former President Suharto, the magazine was banned twice, most recently in 1994. It resumed publication after Suharto’s downfall in the late 1990s and has since continued its tradition of hard-hitting investigative journalism.
The recent intimidation comes as Tempo has been critical of President Prabowo Subianto, a former general with ties to Suharto’s regime. Prabowo, who was once married to Suharto’s daughter, has faced accusations of human rights abuses in the past—allegations he denies. His presidency has raised concerns among press freedom advocates, who fear a rollback of democratic freedoms.
Press Freedom Groups Condemn Attacks
“This terror act is terrifying,” Tempo’s deputy editor-in-chief Bagja Hidayat told Reuters, emphasizing that the threats extend beyond Tempo and pose a risk to all journalists in Indonesia.
Following the first delivery, the magazine received a message on its Instagram account stating that “terror” would not stop.
While Tempo has filed a report with Indonesia’s main human rights body, editor-in-chief Setri Yasra said the publication does not suspect a specific organization, as it regularly publishes critical investigations.
Press freedom and human rights groups, including Amnesty International and the Alliance of Independent Journalists, have decried the threats and called for a police investigation.
Beh Lih Yi, Asia program coordinator for the Committee to Protect Journalists, described the incidents as a “deliberate act of intimidation” and urged President Prabowo to condemn the attacks and reaffirm his commitment to press freedom.
Symbolism Behind the Threats
The choice of a pig’s head carries deep cultural and religious connotations in Indonesia, where the majority of the population is Muslim, and pigs are considered unclean.
The use of such imagery in an act of intimidation suggests an intent to provoke and send a strong message, adding to concerns about press freedom and journalist safety.
Government Response and Backlash
The national police have stated they are investigating the incidents, though no further details have been provided. Meanwhile, the government maintains that press freedom remains intact in Indonesia.
Hasan Nasbi, a spokesperson for President Prabowo’s office, dismissed concerns of media censorship. Hasan’s initial remark that Tempo should “just cook” the pig’s head drew criticism on social media for its perceived insensitivity.
He later clarified his statement, affirming that press freedom must be upheld and that such acts should be taken “seriously.”
Why This Matters for Expats in Bali
While these incidents targeted a national publication based in Jakarta, they raise broader concerns for press freedom across Indonesia, including Bali, where independent reporting plays a key role in informing both locals and expats.
Indonesia has seen fluctuations in press freedom rankings, and intimidation tactics against journalists could affect access to reliable information nationwide.
Ensuring a free press is crucial not only for democracy but also for transparency in governance, which impacts everything from business regulations to social policies affecting residents and visitors alike.
Ongoing Investigations
Setri Yasra has vowed that the magazine will not be intimidated.
“If the intention is to scare, we are not deterred, but stop this cowardly act,” he said in a statement.
As investigations continue, press freedom groups warn that such intimidation tactics could set a dangerous precedent for journalists in Indonesia, where independent reporting has long been a crucial pillar of democracy.
