In a chilling act of intimidation, Tempo, one of Indonesia’s leading news magazines, received anonymous packages containing a pig’s head and decapitated rat carcasses at its South Jakarta headquarters in March 2025. The disturbing deliveries, addressed to prominent journalist Fransisca “Cica” Christy Rosana and thrown onto the premises by an unidentified motorcyclist, have ignited widespread alarm over the safety of journalists and the state of press freedom in the country. As civil society groups and international organizations call for urgent action, the incident raises critical questions about the shrinking civic space under President Prabowo Subianto’s administration.
A Disturbing Message
On March 19, Tempo staff discovered an anonymous package containing a pig’s head, specifically addressed to Ms. Fransisca “Cica” Christy Rosana, host of the magazine’s acclaimed Bocor Alus Politik podcast. The podcast, known for its incisive commentary on Indonesian politics since its launch in 2023, has often tackled sensitive issues, earning both praise and scrutiny. Just days later, in the early hours of March 22, a box with the remains of six decapitated rats was hurled onto the office grounds by an individual on a motorcycle. The brazen nature of these acts has sent shockwaves through Indonesia’s media community.
National Police spokesperson Brig. Gen. Trunoyudo Wisnu Andiko confirmed that the Criminal Investigation Agency (Bareskrim) and Jakarta Police have initiated a preliminary investigation. “The police have taken initial steps to investigate the crime scene, including by gathering necessary information as well as checking the security cameras at the Tempo building” he stated on March 24, as reported by Kompas.com. Authorities are now analyzing footage to identify a potential suspect, though no arrests have been made as of yet. 
Bareskrim general crimes director Brig. Gen. Djuhandhani Rahardjo Puro added that the investigation team is prioritizing the analysis of video recordings from Tempo’s security cameras. “The team will analyze the video recording and prioritize finding one potential suspect, who remains unidentified” he told Antara on March 24. For now, the motive behind the intimidation remains unclear, but the timing and target suggest a deliberate attempt to silence critical journalism.
Context of Controversy
Tempo, a publication with a storied history of defending civil liberties, has long been a thorn in the side of powerful interests. During the authoritarian regime of President Soeharto, the magazine was banned twice, most notably in 1994, only resuming publication after his downfall in 1998. Today, Tempo continues to produce hard-hitting investigative reports, including recent coverage of the contentious revision of the 2004 Indonesian Military (TNI) Law. The proposed changes, discussed behind closed doors, would expand the military’s role in civilian affairs—a move that pro-democracy activists fear could herald a return to the militarized governance of the New Order era.
This backdrop of political tension provides a possible, though unconfirmed, context for the intimidation. While no direct evidence links the packages to specific actors or policies, the nature of Tempo’s reporting on military reforms has drawn significant attention. Civil society groups argue that such acts of harassment are symptomatic of a broader erosion of democratic norms in Indonesia, where journalists increasingly face threats for challenging the status quo.
Civil Society and International Outcry
The response from media advocacy groups has been swift and unequivocal. Mustafa Layong, executive director of the Legal Aid Institute for the Press (LBH Pers), condemned the incidents as acts of “terror” during a press conference on March 23. He urged law enforcement to demonstrate a genuine commitment to safeguarding press freedom, emphasizing that the safety of journalists is non-negotiable in a democratic society.
Internationally, the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) echoed these concerns. Beh Lih Yi, CPJ’s Asia program coordinator, described Tempo as a victim of deliberate intimidation. “Tempo is well-known internationally for its fiercely independent reporting. Using this playbook from autocrats elsewhere simply will not work” she said in a statement, calling on President Prabowo Subianto to publicly denounce the act and uphold press freedom. Prabowo, a former military general with historical ties to Soeharto’s family, has faced longstanding allegations of involvement in human rights abuses during the late 1990s—claims he denies. His administration’s stance on media freedom is now under intense scrutiny.
Amnesty International Indonesia’s executive director, Usman Hamid, issued a stark warning about the future of journalism in the country. He suggested that without robust protection from law enforcement, being a journalist in Indonesia could become “like a death sentence.” Such rhetoric underscores the gravity of the situation, as activists fear a chilling effect on independent reporting.
Government Response and Public Backlash
The Indonesian government, through Presidential Communications Office chief Hasan Nasbi, has asserted its commitment to press freedom, claiming there is no media censorship in the country today. However, Nasbi’s earlier flippant remark that Tempo “should just cook” the pig’s head has drawn sharp criticism on social media for its insensitivity. Many users on platforms like X have decried the comment as dismissive of the very real fear and outrage felt by journalists and their supporters.
Public sentiment, as reflected in online discussions, reveals a deep divide. While some defend the government’s stance and question whether Tempo’s reporting has provoked such hostility, others argue that no amount of critical journalism justifies threats or violence. The debate highlights the fragile balance between press freedom and political stability in Indonesia, a nation still grappling with the legacy of authoritarian rule.
Press Freedom Under Threat?
Indonesia has made significant strides in fostering a free press since the Reformasi era following Soeharto’s resignation in 1998. Yet, incidents like the intimidation of Tempo serve as a stark reminder of persistent challenges. According to Reporters Without Borders, Indonesia ranked 111th out of 180 countries in the 2024 World Press Freedom Index, reflecting ongoing issues with journalist safety and government interference. While physical attacks on journalists are relatively rare compared to other regions, subtle and overt forms of intimidation—such as legal harassment, cyberattacks, and now anonymous threats—continue to undermine media independence.
The current political climate adds another layer of complexity. President Prabowo Subianto, who took office in October 2024, has a controversial past tied to military leadership during a period of significant human rights violations. Though no evidence directly implicates his administration in the Tempo incident, activists worry that his government’s policies, including the proposed military law revisions, could embolden anti-media sentiments among certain factions. If confirmed, such a trend would mark a troubling regression for a country once hailed as a democratic success story in Southeast Asia.
Historical Parallels and Future Implications
The targeting of Tempo evokes memories of the New Order era, when censorship and violence against the press were routine. During Soeharto’s 32-year rule, the military wielded immense control over public life, often silencing dissent through coercion. Tempo’s bans in the 1980s and 1990s were emblematic of that repression, yet the magazine’s resilience became a symbol of hope during the democratic transition. Today, as Indonesia navigates a new chapter under Prabowo’s leadership, the question looms: could history be repeating itself?
For now, the police investigation offers a glimmer of accountability, though skepticism remains about whether the perpetrators will be identified and brought to justice. Civil society groups are pressing for transparency in the process, arguing that a failure to act decisively could embolden further attacks on the media. Meanwhile, Tempo has publicly stated its resolve to continue reporting without fear, a stance that has garnered admiration from supporters worldwide.
A Test for Democracy
The intimidation of Tempo is more than an isolated incident; it is a litmus test for Indonesia’s commitment to democratic values. As the investigation unfolds, the actions of law enforcement and the rhetoric of political leaders will be closely watched by both domestic and international observers. For journalists like Fransisca “Cica” Christy Rosana, the personal toll of such threats cannot be understated—yet their determination to uncover the truth remains unshaken.
As Indonesia stands at a crossroads, the question of whether press freedom can withstand mounting pressures lingers. The coming weeks may reveal whether this incident is a mere aberration or a harbinger of darker times for the country’s media landscape.
