Indonesian Activist Palti Hutabarat Receives Death Threat via Dog’s Head

Jakarta – Social media activist Palti Hutabarat received a disturbing threat on March 18, 2026, when a dog’s head was sent to her parents’ home in Namo Rambe District, Deli Serdang Regency, North Sumatra. The incident has raised concerns about escalating intimidation tactics against government critics in Indonesia.

Details of the Threat

Palti Hutabarat, who was in Jakarta at the time of the incident, was alerted by her brother via WhatsApp, who sent photos and a video of the decapitated dog’s head found in front of their family home. According to Palti, her brother had heard a noise outside the house on the evening of March 17, 2026, but did not investigate until the following morning.

The perpetrator remains unidentified. Surveillance cameras at the security post were reportedly damaged, and there are no other cameras in the vicinity of the house. Initial investigations suggest the package was delivered either before 11:00 PM on March 17th or after midnight on March 18th. Tempo.co reports that the security coordinator has taken the remains to local authorities.

Possible Motive and Previous Threats

Palti Hutabarat, a cadre of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan), believes the threat is linked to her frequent criticism of President Prabowo Subianto’s administration on social media. She suspects the intent is to instill fear and silence her online commentary. Tempo.co

Prior to receiving the dog’s head, Palti reported several other suspicious incidents. On March 11, 2026, an unknown individual inquired about the occupants of her parents’ house. On March 13, 2026, a suspicious package was delivered with a cash-on-delivery requirement, and on March 14, 2026, a package addressed to her deceased father arrived. She instructed her family not to open these packages, suspecting they contained threats.

She also received threatening messages via WhatsApp on February 25, 2026, from unknown numbers, including a photo of her with accusatory text labeling her a “spreader of hoaxes” and a “stooge.”

Growing Concerns Over Activist Safety

This incident follows a recent acid attack on activist Andrie Yunus of KontraS on March 12, 2026, and a previous incident where influencer Ramond Dony (DJ Donny) received a chicken carcass and subsequently had his house firebombed in December 2025. Tempo.co

Palti Hutabarat fears an escalation of violence and expresses concern for her family’s safety, given her public criticism of the government.

Official Response

The Legal Aid and People’s Advocacy Body of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (BBHAR PDI Perjuangan) has condemned the sending of the animal carcass and is providing assistance to Palti Hutabarat. Wiradarma Harefa, a member of BBHAR PDIP, has urged law enforcement to promptly investigate the case and apprehend the perpetrator. Tempo.co