Indonesia, the world’s third-largest democracy, has long struggled with press freedom despite its constitutional guarantees of free speech. The recent incident involving Indonesian Weekly Magazine Tempo, one of the country’s most prominent news magazines, highlights the ongoing threats faced by journalists who dare to criticize those in power.
The magazine, known for its investigative journalism and fearless reporting, received two disturbing deliveries in March 2025—six decapitated rats and a pig’s head without its ears. These chilling symbols of intimidation serve as a stark reminder that press freedom in Indonesia remains under siege.
Tempo has often been at the forefront of exposing corruption, human rights abuses, and governmental inefficiencies. Its latest reports have been critical of President Prabowo Subianto, a former military general with a controversial past.
The gruesome deliveries were seen as a direct attempt to intimidate the magazine and silence dissent. However, Tempo’s editor-in-chief, Setri Yasra, has made it clear that these tactics will not deter them from their journalistic mission.
The Threat to Journalism and Press Freedom
This attack on Indonesian Weekly Magazine Tempo is not an isolated incident. In recent years, Indonesian journalists have faced increasing threats, harassment, and even physical violence for their reporting.
Press organizations, including the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) and Amnesty International, have condemned the act, calling it a dangerous form of intimidation. CPJ’s Asia program head, Beh Lih Yi, emphasized the importance of allowing journalists to work without fear of retaliation.
The targeting of Tempo raises concerns about the broader state of media freedom in Indonesia. Under President Joko Widodo’s administration, media censorship, intimidation, and legal threats against journalists became more frequent.
Now, under Prabowo’s leadership, fears are growing that press freedom will deteriorate even further. His history as a military leader under Suharto’s authoritarian rule and allegations of human rights abuses have only intensified concerns that Indonesia may be moving toward a more repressive environment.
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Despite these challenges, Tempo has vowed to continue its investigative journalism. The magazine has faced government crackdowns before, having been banned twice under Suharto’s rule.
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After the fall of Suharto in 1998, Indonesia experienced a media renaissance, but recent years have seen worrying signs of backsliding. The intimidation against Tempo is reminiscent of past efforts to silence independent journalism, raising alarms about Indonesia’s democratic future.
Government Response and Public Backlash
The Indonesian government’s reaction to the incident has been mixed. While some officials, such as presidential spokesman Hasan Nasbi, initially downplayed the issue by making dismissive remarks, there was later an effort to clarify their stance.
Nasbi later stated that press freedom must be upheld and acts of intimidation should be taken seriously. However, many critics argue that the government’s response has been insufficient.
Amnesty International Indonesia’s executive director, Usman Hamid, has called for a full investigation into the threats against Tempo. He warned that if such actions go unpunished, Indonesia could become a country where journalism is seen as a dangerous profession, potentially equivalent to a death sentence for reporters.
The lack of strong condemnation from the highest levels of government raises questions about whether authorities are genuinely committed to protecting press freedom.
Public reaction to the incident has been strong, with many Indonesians expressing outrage on social media and calling for justice. Protests against government policies have already been on the rise, particularly in response to widespread budget cuts and controversial military law reforms.
The attack on Tempo is likely to fuel further discontent, as it symbolizes the broader struggle for democracy and free expression in Indonesia. This incident serves as a crucial test for Indonesia’s democratic institutions.
Will law enforcement take decisive action against those responsible for the threats? Or will this be another case where intimidation against journalists goes unpunished? The outcome will signal to both journalists and the public whether Indonesia remains committed to its democratic ideals or if it is heading toward a more authoritarian future.