In a significant statement made on March 21, 2025, Indonesia's Minister of Communication and Digital, Meutya Hafid, expressed regret over a recent terror incident directed at the editorial team of Tempo, a prominent Indonesian media outlet. This incident involved the unsettling delivery of a pig's head to a journalist, which has raised serious concerns regarding press freedom in the country.
Meutya Hafid, who participated in a cabinet meeting before addressing the media, emphasized the government's commitment to safeguarding press freedom as stipulated in the Press Law Number 40 of 1999. “Silakan saja nanti dilaporkan gitu, ya, supaya ketahuan begitu siapa yang kirim,” she stated, suggesting that the affected journalist should report the matter to identify those behind the harassment.
She also articulated that President Prabowo Subianto continues to value and respect the freedom of the press. “Pasti dong, masih, kita tidak pernah berubah dalam rangka kebebasan pers,” she assured. This assertion reflects the government's stance that media outlets are free to operate without comment interference, and that the authorities are attentive to public feedback.
Adding weight to her comments, Hasan Nasbi, the Head of the Presidential Communications Office, noted that there has been no significant obstruction to press freedom, despite claims of harassment. “Ada yang dihalangi bikin berita, ada yang distop untuk bikin berita dan wawancara nggak? Artinya, nggak ada kebebasan pers yang dikekang,” he remarked. Nasbi highlighted that numerous media outlets, including Tempo, have not faced restrictions in their reporting.
In a lighter moment, concerning the iconic pig's head incident, Nasbi cheekily suggested jokingly, “Udah dimasak aja,” indicating that the affected journalist seemed unbothered as she had later humorously asked for pork on social media following the unsettling delivery. “Artinya dia tidak merasa terancam, kan buktinya bisa bercanda. Ini kan problem mereka entah dengan siapa,” he added, further asserting that the situation had no implication of seriousness for the journalist.
Wakil Menteri Komunikasi dan Digital Nezar Patria also reaffirmed the government's support for press freedom. He echoed the sentiments of Meutya, categorically stating that “freedom of the press is protected” under the existing press law. The importance of maintaining a healthy dialogue between the media and the government was a key part of his comments, especially in light of ongoing conflicts surrounding press operations.
The incident surrounding the delivery of a pig's head to Tempo journalist Francisca Christy Rosana (known as Cica) has sparked dialogue about safety and accountability in Indonesia's rapidly evolving media landscape. The Tempo editorial team has since taken steps to formally report the incident to law enforcement authorities, providing evidence including CCTV footage of the suspected perpetrators to the police. “Kemudian kita sudah punya CCTV, motornya (kelihatan) udah kita serahkan ke polisi,” explained Setri Yasra, the Editor-in-Chief at Tempo.
The movement to report the threat to police is an example of the proactive steps the media may take to ensure their protection and maintain a safe working environment. Setri, speaking about the steps their team has taken, pointed out that such incidents must not be viewed lightly, underscoring the need for authorities to investigate threats against journalists seriously.
Minister of Law and Human Rights Supratman Andi Agtas commented on the necessity of legal action saying that the issue should be handed over to law enforcement agencies. “Masalah ini pada aparat penegak hukum,” he indicated, positioning the government’s response as one that relies on judicial processes to address the crime.
The frequency of harassment and threats towards journalists continues to raise alarms among press advocates who see this pig's head incident as part of a broader pattern of intimidation within Indonesia's media sector. Activists and watchdog groups urge for stronger protections for journalists and an unwavering commitment from the government to uphold their rights in the face of diverse challenges.
The relentless efforts to uphold press freedom remain integral to the democratic fabric of the nation, as echoed in Hafid's reassurances and public statements from other officials. The Indonesian government is now facing scrutiny not just regarding the safety of its journalists, but regarding its stance on press freedom in an era marked by increased political and social tensions. Many hope this incident will prompt a reassessment of how the rights and welfare of journalists are regarded in the public sphere.
This incident serves as a necessary reminder of the important role that a free press plays in society and the need for all stakeholders to ensure the safety and integrity of journalists doing their vital work amidst evolving challenges.
