Indonesian Press Under Fire: Solidarity Rallies Erupt Amidst Minister’s Lawsuit Against Tempo
Table of Contents
indonesia’s press freedom is facing a critical test as widespread solidarity actions are underway in support of Tempo magazine, currently embroiled in a civil lawsuit filed by Agriculture Minister Amran Sulaiman.Journalists and press alliances across the archipelago are mobilizing too defend Tempo and uphold the vital role of a free press in a democratic society.
Mounting support for Tempo and Press Freedom
The lawsuit has ignited a wave of protests and demonstrations, with organizations and individuals voicing their concern over what they perceive as an attempt to stifle critical reporting. In Southeast Sulawesi, a solidarity action is planned for Thursday, November 6, 2025, bringing together the Kendari autonomous journalist Alliance, the Kendari Journalist Safety Committee, local journalists, the Sulawesi tenggara Kamisan Action, and student press organizations.
Demonstrators are carrying signs with slogans like, “Fight against the lawsuit of Minister Amran, reject the new censorship style,” reflecting the broader anxieties surrounding the case. Organizers have articulated three key demands: the immediate withdrawal of the lawsuit against Tempo, respect for the authority of the Press Council as outlined in applicable regulations, and robust legal protections guaranteeing press freedom for all media and journalists. They are also urging public officials and law enforcement to refrain from abusing their power to suppress and silence the media.
Nationwide Demonstrations and Concerns Over Violence
The support for tempo extends beyond Southeast Sulawesi. The North Sumatra Journalist Safety Committee has also organized a solidarity action,inviting all journalists in the province to oppose media suppression on thursday,November 6,2025. A similar call for solidarity resonated in South Sulawesi, where the Makassar independent Journalist Alliance (AJI) led a exhibition in front of the AAS Building, owned by Agriculture Minister Andi amran Sulaiman, on Tuesday, November 4, 2025.
However, the Makassar protest was marred by violence. According to Didit Hariyadi,Chairman of AJI Makassar,”One friend was hit on the head from above while putting up flowers.” He explained that the assault was perpetrated by individuals from a counter-protesting group who attempted to disrupt the demonstration and incite unrest. “They tried to enter our ranks to cause chaos, but we prevented it. There was some pushing and shoving,” Hariyadi stated. the counter-protesters reportedly identified themselves as representing farmers and expressed support for Minister Amran’s lawsuit against Tempo.
The Core of the Dispute: “Rotten Rice Polish”
The legal battle stems from a Tempo news poster concerning the Ministry of Agriculture’s rice management policy, specifically titled “Rotten rice Polish.” Minister amran sulaiman objects to the use of the word “rotten” in the headline, alleging that Tempo’s reporting constitutes unlawful acts that have caused both material and immaterial losses to the Ministry. The case is registered under number 684/Pdt.G/2025/PN JKT SEL at the South Jakarta District Court.
Tempo’s legal counsel, Mustafa Layong, has defended the reporting, while the Ministry of Agriculture’s legal representative, Chandra Muliawan, has offered limited explanation. Muliawan stated that the matter had previously been submitted to the Press Council, and a decision had been reached.”As for the rest, maybe we can see from the trial’s progress as that’s the crux of the matter,” he said on Monday, October 20, 2025, urging the public to await official releases from the Ministry’s Public Relations and Interaction Bureau for further details.
The ongoing case and the outpouring of support for Tempo underscore the fragility of press freedom in Indonesia and the importance of safeguarding the media’s ability to hold power accountable.
