The International Fact-Checking Network has deep concerns over recent harassment against Tempo in Indonesia. Tempo is a nonpartisan news outlet that consistently provides independent accountability journalism. Such harassment can have chilling effects on independent journalism, including the work of fact-checkers. Tempo is a respected part of the international fact-checking journalism community and should be able to continue its work without threats.
Tempo has been targeted by severe intimidation after a severed pig’s head was delivered to its office in Jakarta on March 19, followed by decapitated rats on March 22. In April, it was hit by crippling cyber attacks that inhibited distribution of its reports.
These incidents occurred weeks after President Prabowo Subianto alleged that foreign-funded media organizations are trying to “divide” the country, with protesters gathering outside Indonesia’s Press Council building demanding action against Tempo.
The IFCN publicly condemns these orchestrated intimidation campaigns against journalists in Indonesia and calls on Indonesian authorities to ensure the safety and basic rights of all media representatives, particularly those facing explicit threats.
Tempo has a strong record of reporting critically on government policies and holding power to account. Tempo’s fact-checking unit has been a longstanding signatory to the Code of Principles, receiving its first independent assessment and successful approval in 2018. Fact-checkers voluntarily sign on to the Code of Principles and go through a verification process to prove they meet universal standards of transparency, independence, nonpartisanship and methodology.
Established in 2015, the IFCN is dedicated to supporting press freedom and fact-checkers globally. Tempo deserves to continue publishing the explanatory journalism and reporting that holds the government, political parties and candidates accountable without threat of reprisal.
