TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Mei Susanto, the head of the Policy Study Center at the Faculty of Law, Padjadjaran University (Unpad), said the animal carcass terror as received by Tempo, environmental activist Delima Silalahi, and the Papua Student Alliance in Bali is a form of regression in the rule of law, democracy, and Indonesian statehood.
According to Mei, such terror must not occur in Indonesia, a country with democratic principles. Mei stated that this terror is a tangible form of conventional violence that has serious psychological and symbolic impacts.
"The rampant terror of animal carcasses towards journalists, activists, and students contributes to the regression of our rule of law, democracy, and statehood," said Mei in a written message received by Tempo on Monday, June 9, 2025.
Mei explained three reasons why terror using animals represents a regression of a country. First, a democratic country highly values freedom of speech as not only a fundamental right, but also as an essential pillar in the establishment of democracy.
"Freedom of expression, including the inherent nature of criticism, is an integral part of the democratic process guaranteed in the constitutional state as stipulated in articles 28E (2) and 28F of the 1945 Constitution," he said.
"These rights must not only be respected, but to a greater extent must be protected and fulfilled."
Secondly, freedom of speech is not the product of the Western liberal democracy, but is also an inherent part of Indonesia's original democracy stemming from village democracy. Citing Indonesia's first vice president and independence activist Bung Hatta, Mei warned that democracy includes the spirit of discussion, protest, and gotong royong, or mutual assistance.
A package containing a pig's head addressed to Tempo journalist, Francisca Christy Rosana, at the Tempo office, Palmerah, Jakarta, March 20, 2025. Tempo/Gunawan Wicaksono
Therefore, Mei stated that the government and the people of Indonesia must collectively realize that differences in opinions and criticism are part of preserving Indonesia's original democratic tradition, which must be upheld.
"Instead of being intimidated by terror," Mei said.
Another reason, Mei said, is that the pig's head terror aims to narrow the scope of public expression, which signifies a regression of democracy and statehood. Such cases occur not only in Indonesia, but also in other countries like Latin America and Eastern Europe.
"But don't let these facts justify the terror or normalize it, it must be opposed by providing proportional and professional legal protection and enforcement," she said.
Prior to the rotting pig's head terror against the Papua Student Alliance, the environmental activist Delima Silalahi received a bird carcass at her residence in Toba Regency, North Sumatra, on Friday morning, May 30, 2025.
The Tempo editorial also experienced terror on March 19, 2025. At that time, Francisca Christy Rosana, a Tempo political journalist and host of the 'Bocor Alus Politik' podcast, received a package containing a pig's head without ears. Two days later, the terror continued with a box containing six decapitated rat carcasses.
Daniel Ahmad Fajri also contributed to the writing of this article
Editor’s Choice: Papua Students in Bali Sent Rotting Pig Heads, Seen as Possible Intimidation
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
Indonesia's Medium Rice Prices Surpass Retail Ceiling
2 jam lalu
The medium rice price in Jakarta's Cipinang Rice Market is higher than the HET Zone 1 price.
Former Indonesian Minister Named CEO of Nickel Miner Amid Raja Ampat Controversy
3 jam lalu
Former minister Freddy Numberi is CEO of PT Kawei Sejahtera Mining, a nickel permit holder in Raja Ampat.
Timika Bishop Blames Oligarchic Greed for Environmental Damage in Raja Ampat
4 jam lalu
The Bishop of Timika from the Order of Saint Augustine (OSA) criticizes the environmental damage caused by nickel mining in Raja Ampat, Papua.
Colombian Presidential Candidate Miguel Uribe Shot: Condemnation and Investigation
6 jam lalu
Colombian presidential candidate Miguel Uribe Turbay became the target of a shooting during a campaign event in Bogot on Saturday, June 7, 2025.
Profile of Five Licensed Nickel Giants Set to Mine in Raja Ampat
6 jam lalu
Two nickel mining companies in Raja Ampat have permits from the central government, while the other three have permits from the local government.
Prabowo Is Said to Discuss Halting Raja Ampat Nickel Mining in Today's Meeting
7 jam lalu
According to the source, Prabowo intends to stop nickel mining operations in the area.
Terrorized with Pig's Head, Papuan Student Alliance Reports to LBH Bali
13 jam lalu
Terror through the delivery of pig's head was experienced by the Papuan Student Alliance in Bali. The incident is suspected to be related to the planned publication of the book 'Papua Bergerak' (Papua Moves).
TNI Denies OPM Claim of Helicopter Downing in Papua
2 hari lalu
The Indonesian Military (TNI) considered the TPNPB-OPM's claims as mere attempts to maintain visibility and garner attention from various parties.
Papua Students in Bali Sent Rotting Pig Heads, Seen as Possible Intimidation
2 hari lalu
Investigation by the Papua Student Alliance reveals digital traces linking the suspected sender to an affiliated organization.
10 Must-Visit Tourist Spots in Raja Ampat, Indonesia's Last Paradise on Earth
2 hari lalu
From dramatic seascapes to tranquil villages and underwater marvels, Raja Ampat showcases its natural beauty and rich cultural heritage.
