What's happened
Indonesian journalist Francisca Christy Rosana received a severed pig's head and a box of decapitated rats, amid rising threats against Tempo media. These incidents highlight increasing intimidation of journalists under President Prabowo Subianto's administration, raising concerns about press freedom in Indonesia as the country observes Ramadan.
What's behind the headline?
Context of Intimidation
The recent threats against Tempo journalists signify a troubling escalation in the intimidation of media professionals in Indonesia. The use of animal carcasses as symbols of terror is particularly alarming, especially in a predominantly Muslim nation where pork is considered haram.
Political Implications
- Government Response: President Prabowo Subianto's administration has faced criticism for its handling of press freedom. The initial dismissive comments from a presidential spokesperson regarding the pig's head incident reflect a lack of seriousness towards media safety.
- Historical Precedent: Indonesia has a history of press suppression, notably during Suharto's dictatorship. The current climate suggests a regression in media freedoms, raising concerns about self-censorship among journalists.
Future Outlook
- Impact on Journalism: The ongoing threats may deter journalists from pursuing critical stories, particularly those involving government scrutiny. This could lead to a chilling effect on investigative journalism in Indonesia.
- Public Support: The backlash against these threats has garnered support from international organizations, indicating a potential for increased scrutiny on the Indonesian government regarding its treatment of the press.
What the papers say
According to The Guardian, the threats against Tempo media, including the severed pig's head and decapitated rats, are seen as acts of terror aimed at obstructing journalistic work. Tempo's editor-in-chief, Setri Yasra, emphasized the need for press freedom to be protected, stating, "Press freedom must not be terrorised, disrupted, or intimidated for any reason."
In contrast, the South China Morning Post highlights the symbolic nature of the threats, noting that the pig's head and rats are seen as messages directed at the hosts of Tempo's political podcast. The article underscores the historical context of press intimidation in Indonesia, linking it to the current political climate under President Prabowo Subianto.
Both sources agree on the severity of the situation, but The Guardian focuses more on the immediate implications for press freedom, while the South China Morning Post provides a broader historical perspective.
How we got here
The threats against Tempo media, including the delivery of a pig's head and decapitated rats, reflect a broader trend of intimidation against journalists in Indonesia. This follows a history of violence and censorship under previous regimes, with current fears heightened by the government's stance on press freedom.
Go deeper
- What actions are being taken to protect journalists in Indonesia?
- How has the public reacted to these threats against Tempo media?
- What historical context is relevant to the current situation?
Common question
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What threats are Indonesian journalists facing today?
In recent weeks, Indonesian journalists have faced alarming threats that raise serious concerns about press freedom in the country. Incidents involving intimidation tactics, such as receiving severed animal heads, highlight the dangers journalists encounter while reporting. This situation prompts further questions about the implications for press freedom and the actions being taken to protect those who risk their lives for the truth.
More on these topics
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Prabowo Subianto Djojohadikusumo is an Indonesian politician, businessman and former Army lieutenant General who is the currently-appointed Minister of Defence of the Republic of Indonesia.
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Indonesia, officially the Republic of Indonesia, is a country in Southeast Asia and Oceania, between the Indian and Pacific oceans. It consists of more than seventeen thousand islands, including Sumatra, Java, Borneo, Sulawesi, and New Guinea. Indonesia i