Indonesia's press freedom under concern after gruesome threats to magazine
What's the story
Concerns over press freedom in Indonesia have mounted after a series of disturbing threats against Tempo, a government-critical magazine. The publication, a prominent fixture in Indonesian media since the 1970s, was recently sent disturbing deliveries. A pig's head and six decapitated rats were among them, alarming activists who are now demanding an investigation into the menacing acts.
Targeted publication
Tempo's critical stance puts it in crosshairs
Tempo has a history of criticizing the policies of Prabowo Subianto, the president. The ex-general has been accused of perpetrating abuses under late dictator Suharto, according to rights groups. Employees at the magazine's office found a box containing six decapitated rats on Saturday. A head of a pig without ears was found earlier on Thursday, meant to be delivered to one of its reporters.
Intimidation condemned
Activists decry acts as deliberate intimidation
Beh Lih Yi, head of the Asia program at the Committee to Protect Journalists, condemned such acts as "dangerous and deliberate," asserting that "journalists in Indonesia must be able to do their work freely and safely without fear of retaliation." Usman Hamid of Amnesty International Indonesia has called for an investigation into the matter.
Resilience
Tempo remains undeterred by threats
Speaking on the threats, Tempo's editor-in-chief Setri Yasra said these deliveries were meant to undermine their work. However, he ensured the magazine would continue on its mission. "If the intention is to scare us, we are not deterred," Setri said in a statement. "But stop this cowardly act." Activists have called for press freedom to be protected in Indonesia.
Official response
Presidential spokesman downplays incident
Though the sender remains unidentified, presidential spokesman Hasan Nasbi dismissed the incident. He said the magazine should "just cook" the pig's head. However, he later clarified his comment to news site Kompas, saying press freedom has to be maintained and such things should be taken seriously. Setri reported these threats to the police after each delivery.
Censorship history
Tempo's history of censorship under Suharto
Tempo has previously been banned under Suharto's rule, with the latest ban in 1994. It resumed publication after Suharto was overthrown in the late 1990s. Prabowo, who was previously married to Suharto's daughter, is accused of ordering the disappearance of democracy activists toward the end of Suharto's rule, a charge he denies.