Kepala Babi, Bangkai Tikus, Kepala Manusia, Rekam Jejak Pembungkaman Kebebasan Berpendapat

Summary

The script highlights ongoing threats to press freedom in Indonesia, drawing a direct link between recent attacks on media outlets like Tempo and Sinar Harapan and the repressive tactics used during the Orde Baru (New Order) era. It examines the historical context of media suppression under President Suharto, including intimidation, violence, and government control over the press. The narrative emphasizes how such actions not only harm the press but also undermine public access to vital information, transparency, and participation in decision-making, stressing the importance of safeguarding independent media to ensure a healthy democracy.

Takeaways

• 😀 The recent terror attack on Tempo, involving six dead rats, highlights the ongoing threat to press freedom in Indonesia.
• 😀 The terror acts are reminiscent of the media suppression during Indonesia's New Order era, which involved violence and censorship.
• 😀 During the New Order, critical media outlets faced intimidation, violence, and even murder for exposing government corruption and abuses.
• 😀 The murder of journalist Udin in 1996 remains unsolved, suggesting a persistent culture of impunity for crimes against journalists.
• 😀 The government of the New Order openly censored media outlets and used the revocation of press licenses (SIUPP) to control the narrative.
• 😀 The violent acts against journalists and media houses, like the attack on Sinar Harapan in 1987, were part of a broader strategy to silence opposition.
• 😀 The government's systematic control over the media in the 1970s and 1980s, through laws and decrees, further undermined press freedom.
• 😀 Laws like the 1982 Press Law allowed the government to revoke media licenses, stifling independent journalism and dissent.
• 😀 The suppression of press freedom under the New Order era greatly hindered transparency, accountability, and citizen participation in democratic processes.
• 😀 The recent attacks on Tempo serve as a warning that Indonesia may be at risk of returning to a period of heavy press suppression, with serious consequences for democracy.

Q & A

What is the significance of the threats against Tempo in the context of press freedom?

The threats against Tempo are significant because they reflect a dangerous trend of intimidation against the media, which undermines press freedom in Indonesia. These actions signal that journalists are still being targeted for their critical reporting, a situation that echoes the repressive environment of the New Order era.

How does the current situation of press intimidation relate to Indonesia's history under the New Order regime?

The current threats against the media, such as those faced by Tempo, resemble the methods of suppressing freedom of expression seen during the New Order regime, where critical journalism was met with intimidation, censorship, and violence to silence dissenting voices.

What were some notable incidents of press suppression during the New Order era?

Some of the key incidents of press suppression during the New Order era include the mysterious shootings of individuals linked to critical reporting, the bombarding of news offices with threats (like at Suara Indonesia), and the murder of journalist Udin in 1996, which was linked to his critical reporting on local government corruption.

What was the government's justification for the 'mysterious shootings' in the 1980s?

President Soeharto justified the 'mysterious shootings' as a form of 'shock therapy' for criminals and individuals perceived as a threat, claiming it was necessary for maintaining order and combating crime. However, this led to widespread violence and the silencing of dissent.

How did the government attempt to control the media during the New Order era?

The government controlled the media through various mechanisms, including the creation of the Press Council, issuing press licenses, and directly intervening in editorial content. This included the mandatory censorship of critical reporting and the closure of media outlets that opposed the regime.

What was the role of the Press Council during the New Order era?

The Press Council, established in 1967, was tasked with issuing press licenses (SIUPP), which allowed the government to control media outlets. If a publication criticized government policies, its license could be revoked, effectively silencing the press.

What was the impact of the Malari incident on press freedom in 1974?

The Malari incident of 1974, which involved widespread protests and violence, led to the government shutting down 14 media outlets that had covered the event critically. This marked a severe crackdown on independent journalism and reinforced the government's control over the media.

How did the government use the Press Law of 1982 to suppress the media?

The Press Law of 1982 gave the government the power to revoke press licenses (SIUPP) from media outlets that were critical of government policies. This law further curtailed press freedom, as media companies had to align with the government's stance or face closure.

What was the effect of media suppression on Indonesia's democratic development?

Media suppression in Indonesia weakened democracy by limiting access to information, reducing the public's ability to hold the government accountable, and stifling debate on critical issues. This created an environment where corruption and mismanagement could thrive with little oversight.

How does the current climate of media intimidation affect public participation in democracy?

The current climate of media intimidation negatively impacts public participation in democracy by limiting access to accurate and objective information. This hinders informed decision-making and reduces citizens' ability to engage effectively in the democratic process, as they cannot trust the media to report freely and honestly.