Pig's Head Sent To Tempo Journalist Sparks Outrage

The Tempo media group’s office in South Jakarta received an unsettling package on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, containing a pig's head. The package, wrapped in cardboard and lined with styrofoam, was directed to National Journalist Francisca Rosana, affectionately known as Cica, who is a prominent political desk journalist and host of the podcast "Bocor Alus Politik". The disturbing delivery not only shocked her but has also stirred reactions across the Indonesian media landscape.

Minister of Communication and Digital Meutya Hafid immediately expressed regret over the incident, urging Tempo to report the matter to law enforcement. In a statement made on Friday, March 21, 2025, Meutya said, “As a former journalist, I certainly regret this. Please report it so that we can find out who sent it.” Her remarks were made during a press conference at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta.

Highlighting the government’s support for press freedom, Meutya assured that President Prabowo Subianto is committed to maintaining this essential democratic principle. “The government, through the Ministry of Communication and Digital, supports press freedom,” she reiterated, emphasizing that President Prabowo is unwavering in his stance on protecting journalists and their rights.

As the situation unfolds, the Press Council has also weighed in on this disturbing turn of events. On March 22, 2025, following the incident, the Council urged law enforcement to conduct a thorough investigation. Chief of the Press Council Ninik Rahayu asserted, “We appeal to law enforcement to thoroughly investigate the sender of the pig's head. If left unaddressed, threats like this will continue to occur.” This statement reflects a growing concern for the safety of journalists and the climate in which they operate.

The incident has prompted discussions about the broader implications for journalism in Indonesia. Many fear that such acts of terror against the press pose serious threats to the freedom of the press and may dissuade media professionals from carrying out their work. Ninik Rahayu pointed out that press freedom is a basic human right that should be protected under Indonesian law, namely, the 1999 Press Law.

Within the Tempo offices, reactions varied from shock to outrage. Cica received the unsettling package a day after it was delivered to the security team of Tempo at approximately 4:15 PM on March 19, 2025. She opened it on March 20, 2025, at around 3 PM, just after returning from a field report with her colleague Hussein Abri Yusuf Muda Dongoran. Upon opening the package, a foul odor emanated, revealing the severed pig's head inside, notably with its ears cut off, which incited distress among the staff.

Hussein was one of the first to witness the grotesque contents of the box. “As soon as we opened it, the stench was unbearable,” he recounted. The sight of the pig's head shocked the entire team, leading them to carry the package outside for safety.

The Deputy Minister of Communication and Digital, Nezar Patria, also commented on the incident, stating that matters related to journalism should always be resolved within the bounds of the press law. “Freedom of the press is protected by law. If there are issues, they should be settled in accord with the Press Law,” he said, voicing the government’s commitment to upholding these values.

Amid these serious discussions, some officials attempted to downplay the incident. Hasan Nasbi, Head of Presidential Communications, commented, “I don’t think we need to make too much of this. We don’t know who sent it or what their intent was, and it’s not necessarily a threat.” This viewpoint raises concern over whether authorities are taking the necessary threats against journalists seriously.

As the investigation progresses, Tempo is encouraged to follow through with formal complaints and legal actions to ensure that those behind the disturbing package are held accountable. Observers note that this incident can’t be viewed in isolation but as part of a pattern of intimidation that targets journalists in Indonesia.

In conclusion, the sending of a pig's head to Tempo represents a grave violation not only against the journalists involved but resonates with broader issues concerning press freedom and safety. The urgent call for justice from both the Press Council and Meutya Hafid signals a collective demand for accountability and protection of journalistic integrity in Indonesia.