JAKARTA, RAKYAT NEWS – The Indonesian Journalists Safety Committee (KKJ) has condemned a shocking act of intimidation against a female journalist from Tempo, FCR, who hosts the political podcast *Bocor Alus Politik* (BAP). The incident, involving the delivery of a severed pig’s head to Tempo’s office, has raised serious concerns about the safety of journalists and the state of press freedom in Indonesia.

On March 19, 2025, at 4:15 PM local time, a styrofoam-lined cardboard package arrived at Tempo’s office, addressed to FCR. She received the package the following day, March 20, at 3:00 PM, after returning from an assignment. Upon opening the box with a colleague, FCR was met with a foul stench and discovered the mutilated pig’s head, its ears severed. The gruesome act has left her traumatized and has sent shockwaves through Indonesia’s media community.

The KKJ has labeled the incident a deliberate attempt to intimidate and silence critical journalism, particularly targeting female journalists. Tempo, known for its bold reporting on strategic issues, has faced a series of threats against its BAP podcast team. Last year, a BAP journalist’s vehicle was vandalized, and this latest act of terror marks a dangerous escalation in attacks on press freedom.

The KKJ warns that such acts of violence not only threaten individual journalists but also undermine democracy by stifling independent media. The organization has called on law enforcement to thoroughly investigate the case, urging authorities to uncover the motive behind the attack and ensure accountability.

This incident is part of a broader pattern of violence and intimidation against journalists in Indonesia. Over the past year, numerous cases of harassment and attacks have gone unresolved, raising questions about the commitment of law enforcement to protect press freedom. The KKJ has emphasized that press freedom is a fundamental pillar of democracy and must be safeguarded at all costs.

In response, the KKJ has urged the police to pursue charges under relevant criminal and press laws, including Article 18 of Law No. 40 of 1999 on the Press. The organization has also called on the Press Council to deploy its Anti-Violence Task Force to ensure a thorough investigation and to address the systemic issue of violence against journalists.

The KKJ has further appealed to the state to guarantee the safety of journalists and their right to work without fear of retaliation. It has also called on the press community, civil society organizations, and the public to stand in solidarity against such acts of intimidation.

The Indonesian Journalists Safety Committee, established in 2019, comprises 11 press and civil society organizations, including the Alliance of Independent Journalists (AJI), Press Legal Aid Institute (LBH Pers), and Amnesty International Indonesia. The committee continues to advocate for the protection of journalists and the preservation of press freedom in the face of growing threats. (Uki Ruknuddin)

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