We commend Tempo for its fearless defiance against the arrogance of a state official. We hope this media institution remains steadfast in the face of intimidation by those who dislike its investigative reporting, provided its journalistic work remains grounded in truth, accuracy, fairness and the public interest.

This verdict is a victory not only for Tempo but for the nation’s press freedom. Media institutions in the country face increasing intimidation, not only from state actors but also from powerful business figures, all while grappling with sluggish revenue growth as global social media platforms dominate the advertising landscape.

We also extend our gratitude to the court for delivering a fair judgment amidst a climate of skepticism surrounding the judiciary. Public trust has been eroded by reports of corrupt and abusive behavior by judges, exemplified by the arrest of the court's former clerk, Muhammad Arif Nuryanta, in April following the controversial acquittal of three palm oil companies.

Against this backdrop, the courage of the South Jakarta District Court in rejecting the agriculture minister's demand for Rp 200 billion (US$13.5 million) in compensation is highly encouraging. Presiding Judge Sulistyo Muhammad Dwi Putro and his colleagues, I Ketut Darpawan and Sri Rezeki Marsinta, issued an interlocutory decision on Monday declaring that the court lacked the authority to adjudicate Amran's lawsuit.

The panel agreed with Tempo’s defense argument that, under Law No. 40/1999 on the Press, such disputes fall strictly within the jurisdiction of the Press Council. The council had already fulfilled its obligations to mediate the dispute.

The minister was reportedly outraged by Tempo’s investigative reporting on alleged irregularities in the state rice distribution program, reports that contrasted sharply with his claims of a historic rice harvest under his leadership, an achievement President Prabowo Subianto has frequently praised.