Pig Head Terror at “Tempo” Office: Threat to Press Freedom

A pig's head wrapped in a cardboard box and lined with styrofoam was sent on Wednesday (19/3/2025) at 4:15 PM WIB. The package was addressed to Francisca Christy Rosana, also known as Cica, a political desk journalist and host of the podcast *Bocor Alus Politik*. However, Cica only received the package on Thursday (20/3) at 3:00 PM WIB.

"This terror is not only directed at Tempo but also against press freedom as a whole," he stated while receiving representatives of civil society organizations who visited Tempo's editorial office to offer solidarity support on Friday (21/3/2025).

"It seems to be part of a series. There was a demonstration there, and the package was sent here (Tempo office). They hoped Cica would open it on the same day (Wednesday)," he said.

Bagja suspects that the delivery of the pig head package was also intended to divert public attention from the revision of the Military Law, which has been criticized by many parties. This is because, although the revision was only ratified on Thursday, the public had already known since Wednesday that the parliament would approve the enactment of the bill.

"If this news (pig head terror) appears on Wednesday, people's attention will be divided. Discussions in the media and social media will also vary so that consolidation (guarding the rejection of the TNI Bill) can also be divided," he said.

The terror was quite planned. Because, on the same day the package was sent, there was a demonstration in front of the Press Council Building. The demonstration accused Tempo of being affiliated with foreign interests.

Bagja also revealed the oddity of the delivery of the pig's head package. He said, the courier who delivered the package was at the Tempo office for about 10 minutes. In fact, the courier only wrote down Cica's name as the recipient of the package when it arrived at the security post.

"The courier took off his helmet, made a phone call, and sat on the chair. Unlike most couriers who usually leave after putting the package. This means it was planned," he said.

In the meeting, representatives of civil society organizations gave white and red roses to the Tempo editorial staff, including Cica. Cica admitted that she was afraid when she first received the pig's head package.

"I was scared when the package was opened. However, this terror is not only a threat to us, but also to freedom of expression," said Cica.

Human Rights (HAM) activist who is also the Presidium of the Victim Solidarity Network for Justice (JSKK) Sumarsih said that journalists are the spearhead of the struggle of the families of victims of human rights violations. So, her party is very concerned about the pig's head terror experienced by Tempo.

"When Tempo through Cica was given a pig's ndas(head), we came here with white roses as a symbol of our sincerity and trust in journalists who oversee the running of the government," he said.

Chairman of the Indonesian Legal Aid Foundation M Isnur assessed that the terror against Tempo was a mistaken attack. Because, the attack will not weaken the struggle of journalists and civil society in guarding the government.

"Why is it still important to report this terror to the police? Not only to reveal the perpetrators, but a more serious mechanism regarding the protection of journalists and civil society," he said.