Majalah Tempo is facing a chilling wave of intimidation following the receipt of disturbing packages aimed at the publication's editorial team. The situation escalated dramatically when a pig skull was sent to the newsroom on March 19, 2025. Just days later, on March 22, 2025, a more grotesque delivery arrived—a cardboard box, wrapped in red rose-patterned paper, containing six decapitated rat carcasses was discovered.
The unsettling find happened at approximately 08:00 WIB when cleaning staff made the gruesome discovery. The box had been thrown over the fence of the Tempo office complex located on Jalan Palmerah Barat in Jakarta Selatan at around 02:11 WIB that morning. Eyewitness reports indicate that the package struck a parked car, leaving behind noticeable scratches as evidence of its violent delivery.
Prior to this horrifying event, on March 21, 2025, the publication received a direct threat via Instagram from an account identified as @derrynoah. In the message, the user ominously declared a commitment to continue sending terror “until your office dies.” This chilling ultimatum has only heightened the atmosphere of fear surrounding the journalistic team.
In response to these events, Setri Yasra, the editor-in-chief of Tempo, spoke out against the acts of intimidation. He characterized the delivery of both the pig skull and the rat carcasses as blatant terrorism against media work and an infringement on press freedom. “If the aim is to intimidate, we are not afraid. But, stop this cowardly action,” Yasra stated emphatically, affirming the resolution of the editorial team to continue their work despite the threats.
The harrowing incidents underline a troubling trend of escalating violence and intimidation against members of the press, especially in regions where the media faces increased scrutiny and hostility. In a climate where freedom of expression is under siege, the actions against Tempo are not just an attack on one publication but serve as a broader warning to journalists across Indonesia.
As the investigation into these threats continues, the public is left to ponder the implications for journalistic integrity and freedom of the press in a time marked by contentious political landscapes and increasing state and non-state pressures on media outlets.
Majalah Tempo remains resolute in its commitment to uncovering the truth, regardless of the dangers posed by those who wish to silence them. The increasing frequency of violent threats against journalists highlights the urgent need for stronger protections and support mechanisms for media professionals who bravely continue their work under such dire conditions.
This latest threat not only reflects a targeted assault against a singular news organization but also echoes a widespread concern among journalistic circles regarding the safety and stability of the media landscape in Indonesia. As journalists face these increasing challenges, the need for solidarity and protection becomes paramount to uphold the fundamental values of democratic discourse and the free exchange of ideas.
