January 8, 2026 | 03:05 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The shrinking space for press freedom looms over the second year of President Prabowo Subianto's administration. His statement on April 24, 2024, that press freedom is an absolute prerequisite for democracy has so far failed to materialize in practice. Instead, the media has picked up a series of troubling signals.
In early 2025, Prabowo repeatedly showed signs of discomfort with press freedom. He accused certain media outlets and non-governmental organizations of receiving foreign funding. According to Prabowo, their aim was to influence public opinion and sow division within the nation.
According to Mustafa Layong, Executive Director of the Press Legal Aid Institute (LBH Pers), Prabowo's remarks were narrow-minded. Critical media outlets were branded as foreign agents because the government was allergic to criticism. "It creates the impression that critical media undermine national stability," Mustafa said on Monday, December 29, 2025.
Prabowo's suspicion toward the press coincided with a rise in violence against journalists. LBH Pers recorded 95 cases of violence against reporters from January through December 12, 2025. The number could be higher, as several incidents went unreported. "What is even more worrying is that the perpetrators are dominated by state actors," Mustafa said. The absence of firm punishment against offenders reinforced the government's weak commitment to press freedom.
International Rights Group Urges Prabowo to Halt Minister's Lawsuit Against Tempo
56 hari lalu
International Freedom of Expression (IFEX) argues that the lawsuit by Prabowo's Minister Amran against Tempo undermines democracy in Indonesia.
Indonesian Diaspora Decries Minister Amran's Lawsuit Against Tempo in Melbourne Rally
7 November 2025
Indonesian diaspora in Melbourne holds Kamisan Action to condemn Minister Amran Sulaiman's lawsuit against Tempo.
Civil Society Rallies in Support of Tempo as Minister Amran Sues the Media Company
6 November 2025
Several press alliances and journalists have held a solidarity action in support of Tempo and press freedom in Indonesia.
IFJ Asia-Pacific President: The More Decadent the Country, the More Journalists Suffer
30 Oktober 2025
IFJ Asia-Pacific President Nany Afrida explains the threats to press freedom. From violence to the lawsuit by Amran Sulaiman.
Israel Continues to Bar Foreign Journalists from Gaza
27 Oktober 2025
The Israeli government continues to ban foreign journalists from entering Gaza, citing a review of its policy.
Today's Top 3 News: Indonesian Automotive Industry Cautious Amid Sluggish Car Market
19 Oktober 2025
Here is the list of the top 3 news on Tempo English today.
One Year of Prabowo-Gibran: Rising Attacks, Threats on Journalists and Shrinking Press Freedom
19 Oktober 2025
A look at the sad state of press freedom in Indonesia in the first year of Prabowo-Gibran's administration.
CPJ Urges Philippine Leader to Free Frenchie Mae Cumpio
25 September 2025
The #FreeFrenchieMaeCumpio coalition, which includes CPJ, has repeatedly raised concerns over journalist Frenchie Mae Cumpio's prolonged detention.
Democracy Falls in Majority of Countries Worldwide
11 September 2025
A new report has found serious concerns about the state of global democracy as more countries slip in democratic performance.
Israel's Killing of Journalists in Gaza Rings Alarm on Press Freedom
14 Agustus 2025
Israel's genocidal war has made Gaza one of the deadliest environments for journalists in history.
