Press Freedom Under Threat: Tempo Magazine Faces Unnerving Intimidation Tactics

Tempo Magazine, known for its fearless investigative journalism, has become the target of intimidation after receiving mutilated animal carcasses. Press freedom groups urge an investigation. No group has claimed responsibility, but the acts aim to threaten press operations in Indonesia. Authorities and press advocates demand accountability and press freedom protection.

Press freedom groups have urged Indonesian authorities to probe acts of intimidation against Tempo Magazine, a noted investigative publication. Last week, the magazine received a pig's head and subsequently six headless rats, raising alarm among journalists and media rights advocates.

Despite the severity of the threats, it's unclear who is responsible. Tempo's deputy editor-in-chief, Bagja Hidayat, labeled the acts as terror, not just against the magazine but against all Indonesian journalists. Meanwhile, Editor-in-chief Setri Yasra reported the incidents to Indonesia's principal human rights agency, although no particular party has been implicated.

International rights bodies, including Amnesty International and the Alliance of Independent Journalists, have condemned the acts, pushing for a rigorous police inquiry. While a police investigation is underway, press advocates, like Beh Lih Yi from the Committee to Protect Journalists, call on President Prabowo Subianto to vocally support press freedom, following insensitive remarks from an official about the incidents.

(With inputs from agencies.)