JAKARTA, RAKYAT NEWS – In a shocking incident that has raised concerns over press freedom in Indonesia, Francisca Christy Rosana, a journalist with the prominent media outlet Tempo, received a gruesome package containing a pig’s head.

The package, delivered to Tempo’s office in Jakarta on March 19, 2025, was addressed to Rosana, who is known by her nickname “Cica.” The incident has been widely condemned as an act of intimidation against journalists and a direct attack on freedom of the press.

The package was received by Tempo’s security team at 4:15 PM local time on March 19. However, it was not until the following day, March 20, that Cica opened the box after returning from a reporting assignment with her colleague, Hussein Abri Yusuf Muda Dongoran.

Upon opening the package, a foul odor emanated, revealing the severed head of a pig with both ears cut off. The disturbing discovery has sent shockwaves through the journalistic community and beyond.

Setri Yasra, Tempo’s Editor-in-Chief, condemned the act, calling it a form of terror aimed at silencing the press. In a written statement, Yasra emphasized that such threats would not deter Tempo from its commitment to independent journalism. “We are currently preparing further steps in response to this incident,” he said, signaling that the media outlet plans to take legal and public action to address the intimidation.

Cica, who works on Tempo’s politics desk and hosts the popular podcast *Bocor Alus Politik*, is known for her investigative reporting and critical analysis of political issues. The targeted nature of the threat has led to speculation that the act may be linked to her recent work. However, no group or individual has yet claimed responsibility for the package.

The incident has drawn widespread condemnation from media organizations and press freedom advocates. The Indonesian Press Council (Dewan Pers) has spoken out against the act, calling it a blatant violation of journalistic freedom and urging authorities to investigate the matter thoroughly. “Such acts of intimidation have no place in a democratic society,” a spokesperson for the council stated.

This is not the first time journalists in Indonesia have faced threats or violence. In recent years, there have been several instances of reporters being harassed, assaulted, or even killed in connection with their work. The latest incident has reignited concerns about the safety of journalists and the growing challenges they face in carrying out their duties.

The police have launched an investigation into the matter, but no suspects have been identified so far. Meanwhile, Tempo has heightened security measures at its offices and is providing support to Cica and her colleagues. The media outlet has also called on the public and the government to stand against such acts of intimidation and to protect the freedom of the press.

As the investigation continues, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks journalists face in their pursuit of truth and accountability. It also underscores the need for stronger protections for press freedom in Indonesia, where journalists play a crucial role in holding power to account and informing the public. The international community will be watching closely to see how the authorities respond to this alarming act of intimidation. (Uki Ruknuddin)

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