Sosok Wartawan Peter Rohi: Dikirimi Kepala Manusia di Orde Baru

Recent events at the Tempo newsroom, where a journalist received a severed pig’s head in a package, have reignited memories of the brutal tactics used against journalists during Indonesia’s New Order era. This incident has drawn significant public attention, particularly as it echoes the chilling experiences faced by journalists like Peter Rohi in the early 1980s.

Peter Rohi, a senior journalist known for his fearless investigative reporting, was famously targeted with a more horrifying message back in 1983: a package containing a human head. During his tenure as the Managing Director of Suara Indonesia, a subsidiary of Sinar Harapan, Rohi was heavily involved in covering a series of mysterious killings linked to a notorious figure known as Petrus, or “the mysterious shooter.” This period was marked by a wave of violence and extrajudicial killings aimed at silencing dissent and maintaining order.

The gruesome delivery to Rohi was not merely an act of intimidation; it was a reflection of the perilous climate for journalists who dared to expose corruption and human rights abuses during the regime of President Soeharto. In his recounting from 2015, Rohi detailed the incident, emphasizing that he was not defending criminals but advocating for the rule of law. “I do not defend criminals; every citizen deserves a fair trial and legal representation,” he stated, underscoring his commitment to justice amidst the fear and violence.

In the 1980s, Rohi’s investigations uncovered that the victims of the Petrus killings extended beyond criminals, affecting innocent members of society including farmers, activists, and even those perceived as political threats. His efforts to document these killings led him to issue directives to his correspondents to compile a list of the fallen, a bold act in a time when speaking out could cost one their life.

The disturbing parallels between Rohi’s experiences and the recent terror faced by Tempo journalists are significant. Just as in the past, recent threats against the press signal a worrying trend of targeting those who critically engage with power. The sending of severed animal heads—a symbolic act meant to instill fear—brings to mind the extreme measures used during the New Order to suppress journalistic freedom.

Peter Rohi was not only recognized for his tenacity in journalism; he was also a prominent figure in Indonesia’s historical narrative. Born on November 14, 1942, in Nusa Tenggara Timur, Rohi entered the field of journalism in the 1970s, becoming known for his in-depth reporting. His works included investigations into Sukarno’s legacy and advocacy for preserving the memory of Indonesia’s founding father, as evidenced by his active role in the Soekarno Institute. Furthermore, he contributed writings that showcased the complexities of Indonesia’s past, such as “Soekarno Sebagai Manoesia” and “Natuna Kapal Induk Amerika.”

Despite the threats and intimidation, Rohi remained unyielding in his work, often using personal resources to cover expenses related to his reporting. His unparalleled dedication to uncovering the truth solidified his status as a legendary figure in Indonesian journalism.

Sadly, Peter Rohi passed away on June 10, 2020, leaving behind a legacy of courage and integrity in a profession that faced immense challenges during Indonesia’s tumultuous political history. His life serves as a reminder of the vital role that journalists play in safeguarding democracy and the rule of law, especially in a landscape where freedom of the press remains precarious. The recent threats received by Tempo illustrate the ongoing struggle for press freedom in Indonesia, a battle that figures like Rohi courageously faced and one that will continue to resonate within the heart of the nation’s journalistic community.