By 
Hanif Ardiningrum Khansa
by Bastian Ragas via Unsplash, 12 March 2025
Tempo magazine’s office was targeted with severed pig and rat heads in a grotesque act of intimidation, sparking outrage over Indonesia’s shrinking press freedom. The attack, condemned as ‘barbaric’ by opposition parties, raises urgent questions about journalist safety under President-elect Prabowo’s incoming administration.
In a shocking escalation of attacks on Indonesia’s press freedom after the election, Tempo magazine’s office was targeted with a grotesque act of intimidation: a pig’s head and rats’ heads left at their doorstep. The incident, described as both a physical and symbolic threat, has drawn widespread condemnation, including from the Democratic Party calling it a “barbaric act” that undermines democracy (CNN Indonesia, 2025).
The threats come amid Tempo’s investigative reporting on sensitive political issues, fueling suspicions that the intimidation is retaliation for their critical coverage. This is not the first time Indonesian journalists have faced harassment–recent years have seen a rise in legal battles, cyberattacks, and physical threats against media outlets. Since the passing of a law that grants the military to have more control over the civil administration, police and anonymous figures have attacked several journalists covering nationwide protests against it. The gruesome nature of the threat has further heightened concerns about the safety of journalists and the shrinking space for free expression in Indonesia.
The incident has sparked outrage among civil society groups, press freedom advocates, and international observers, who are calling for immediate action to hold the perpetrators accountable. Reporters Without Borders (RSF) and the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) criticised the attack as a threat to the very foundation of a free press and that Indonesia is following a dangerous authoritarian playbook. They urge Indonesian authorities to take measures in ensuring that law enforcement protects and respects the rights of journalists and the freedom of expression.
The incident presents an early challenge for President-elect Prabowo Subianto, who campaigned on promises of stability but now faces scrutiny over his commitment to democratic values. As Indonesia positions itself as one of Southeast Asia’s leading democracies, this brazen attack on Tempo raises urgent questions about the state of press freedom in the country. Will the government take decisive steps to protect journalists, or will such acts of intimidation become the new normal?
Sources and Further Readings:
Channel News Asia. (2025, March 23). Indonesia press freedom fears after Tempo magazine sent rats, pig head. Retrieved on March 25th, 2025, from https://www.channelnewsasia.com/asia/indonesia-press-freedom-fears-tempo-magazine-sent-rats-pig-head-5018781
CNN Indonesia. (2025, March 23). Demokrat ikut komentar soal kantor Tempo diteror kepala babi, tikus. Retrieved on March 25th, 2025, from https://www.cnnindonesia.com/nasional/20250323211917-32-1212166/demokrat-ikut-komentar-soal-kantor-tempo-diteror-kepala-babi-tikus
Committee to Protect Journalist. (2025, March 25). Several journalists attacked while covering anti-military protests in Indonesia. Retrieved on March 25th, 2025, from https://cpj.org/2025/03/several-journalists-attacked-while-covering-anti-military-protests-in-indonesia/
Reporters Without Borders. (2025, March 25). Indonesia: RSF condemns police violence against journalists covering protests. Retrieved on March 25th, 2025, from https://rsf.org/en/indonesia-rsf-condemns-police-violence-against-journalists-covering-protests
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