Intimidation Tactics Target Indonesian Magazine Tempo Amid Press Freedom Concerns

In a chilling escalation of threats against the press in Indonesia, national news magazine Tempo has received anonymous packages containing animal carcasses, including decapitated rats and a pig’s head, in what appears to be a deliberate attempt to intimidate its journalists. The incidents, occurring just days apart, have sparked alarm over shrinking civic space and the safety of media workers in the country, as Tempo continues its critical reporting on contentious issues such as the recent revision of the Indonesian Military (TNI) Law.

The latest incident unfolded in the early hours of Saturday, when an unidentified individual on a motorcycle hurled a box wrapped in rose-adorned gift paper onto the premises of Tempo’s office in Palmerah, South Jakarta. Security guards discovered six decapitated rat carcasses inside. This followed an earlier package sent to political journalist Francisca Christy Rosana, containing a decomposing pig’s head with its ears severed, an act widely perceived as a menacing message.

These disturbing events have intensified concerns about press freedom in Indonesia, a nation once celebrated for its democratic reforms following the fall of Suharto’s authoritarian regime in 1998. Tempo, a respected outlet known for its staunch defence of civil liberties, has been at the forefront of reporting on the controversial revision of the 2004 TNI Law, passed by the House of Representatives on Thursday. Critics argue the changes could herald a return of military dominance in civilian affairs, a sensitive issue given Indonesia’s history of military overreach during the New Order era.

A Pattern of Intimidation

The anonymous packages are not isolated incidents. Tempo’s editor-in-chief, Setri Yasra, revealed that several journalists at the magazine have faced ongoing harassment, including online doxing and physical threats. Journalist Hussein Abri Dongoran, a co-host alongside Francisca of the popular political podcast “Bocor Alus Politik,” had his car window smashed by unidentified motorists in separate incidents last August and September.

Speaking at an online press briefing on Sunday, Setri condemned the acts as orchestrated efforts to silence the magazine. “These [incidents are] clearly structured. They were intimidation attempts to discourage Tempo from doing its journalistic work” he said. He expressed deep concern that such tactics could lead to self-censorship not only at Tempo but across Indonesia’s media landscape, undermining the democratic principles of free expression.

Tempo swiftly responded by filing police reports on Friday and updating them with evidence from the rat carcasses on Saturday. However, doubts linger over whether authorities will take decisive action, given a perceived culture of impunity surrounding attacks on journalists in the country.

Escalating Threats and Impunity

The recent incidents mark a worrying escalation in the nature and boldness of intimidation tactics against the press. Nany Afrida of the Alliance of Independent Journalists (AJI) highlighted that attacks on journalists have grown more severe, attributing this trend to a lack of accountability. “There is a growing culture of impunity, with only a few complaints ending up in court. And even in such cases, the punishment is usually light and only for the executors rather than the mastermind” she said during the Sunday briefing.

Historical data supports Afrida’s concerns. Surveys by local press advocacy groups, such as the Legal Aid Institute for the Press (LBH Pers), have consistently pointed to weak protections for journalist safety in Indonesia. Mustafa Layong, LBH Pers executive director, urged the government and police to demonstrate a genuine commitment to press freedom by thoroughly investigating the incidents. “However, what we see so far is that the government [has] responded by downplaying the incidents. It is as if [the government] doesn’t care for the safety of its citizens; in this case, the journalists” he said.

Mustafa pointed to a particularly tone-deaf remark by Presidential Communications Office chief Hasan Nasbi, who on Friday suggested that Francisca “should just cook” the pig head sent to her. The comment drew widespread public backlash on social media platforms, prompting Hasan to clarify on Saturday that his intent was to mock the perpetrator, not belittle the journalist. “If [Francisca] had really cooked it, the perpetrator would have banged his head. They would think that they had failed [terrorizing the journalists]” he said, as reported by Kompas.com on 21 March 2025.

Government and Police Response

Amid mounting criticism, National Police chief Gen. Listyo Sigit Prabowo announced on Friday that he had instructed the Criminal Investigation Department (Bareskrim) to probe the reports filed by Tempo. Speaking after an event in Medan, North Sumatra, Listyo assured the public, “We will give the best service we can to follow up on the report.”

However, scepticism remains high among press freedom advocates, who argue that past investigations into similar incidents have often yielded little result. The government’s apparent ambivalence, coupled with Hasan’s initial dismissive comment, has fuelled perceptions that authorities are not prioritising the safety of journalists—a critical pillar of democratic accountability.

Press Freedom Under Threat

Indonesia’s media environment, while more open than during the Suharto era, faces persistent challenges. The country ranks 111th out of 180 in the 2024 World Press Freedom Index by Reporters Without Borders, a decline from previous years, reflecting growing concerns over journalist safety, legal harassment, and digital threats like doxing. The revision of the TNI Law, which Tempo has critically covered, is seen by many as emblematic of broader efforts to curb dissent and limit scrutiny of powerful institutions.

The timing of the intimidation attempts against Tempo—coinciding with the passage of the controversial legislation—has led to speculation about potential links to political actors or groups opposed to the magazine’s reporting. While no evidence currently confirms such connections, the pattern of targeted harassment raises questions about who might benefit from silencing critical voices in the media. If confirmed, such involvement would represent a grave assault on democratic norms in Indonesia.

Beyond the immediate threat to Tempo’s staff, the incidents carry wider implications for the country’s civic space. Journalism plays a vital role in holding power to account, particularly in a democracy as young and dynamic as Indonesia’s. When journalists face intimidation with little recourse, the chilling effect can ripple through society, discouraging open debate and eroding public trust in institutions.

Voices of Resilience

Despite the mounting threats, Tempo remains defiant. Setri Yasra reiterated the magazine’s commitment to its mission, echoing a sentiment shared by many in the Indonesian media community. The outlet’s history of resilience—having been banned twice under Suharto’s regime only to re-emerge stronger—serves as a testament to its determination to uphold press freedom.

Francisca Christy Rosana and Hussein Abri Dongoran, both targets of recent intimidation, continue to produce their acclaimed podcast, “Bocor Alus Politik,” which offers incisive commentary on current affairs. Their refusal to be silenced reflects a broader spirit among Indonesian journalists, many of whom view their work as a public service rather than merely a profession.

Looking Ahead

As the investigation into the anonymous packages unfolds, the spotlight remains on how Indonesian authorities will respond. Will the police probe uncover the perpetrators and, more critically, any potential masterminds behind these acts? Or will the case join the long list of unresolved complaints, further entrenching a culture of impunity?

For now, the incidents at Tempo serve as a stark reminder of the fragility of press freedom in Indonesia. They underscore the urgent need for robust protections for journalists, not just in policy but in practice. As the nation grapples with balancing democratic ideals against rising authoritarian undercurrents, the resilience of outlets like Tempo—and the courage of their journalists—will be tested. The question remains whether Indonesia’s commitment to a free press will withstand these pressures, or if silence will prevail.