"The institution of the press must support the sense of optimism in Indonesia. Media should boost hope rather than crush dreams," the Minister of Education and Culture, Anies Baswedan, said here on Tuesday.
A number of ministers, who are members of the Working Cabinet, such as Internal Affairs Minister Tjahjo Kumolo, Maritime Coordinating Minister Rizal Ramli and Communication and Informatics Minister Rudiantara attended the ceremony that was held in Kuta Beach of Mandalika, Central Lombok City in West Nusa Tenggara Province.
Anies said Indonesian media must provide objective and factual information to the people. Besides, the press should also maintain accuracy in its news.
The minister said certain sections of the Indonesian media, recently, laid a lot of stress on speed in reporting but ignored the aspect of ensuring accuracy.
"I think the media must revert to ensuring accuracy and credibility as its key focus areas," Anies added.
He noted that the Indonesian media should learn from the Tolikara incident in Papua. He urged that television should hold back any information till journalists are able to ensuring it is accurate and confirm it from credible sources.
"The news should not merely be a pursuit of a developing situation only, but it must also give accurate information," Baswedan said.
Additionally, Minister Kumolo said the press institutions have a strategic role in disseminating information to the people.
Kumolo added, people can receive information regarding the governments performance.
Kumolo said the press institutions can work in partnership with the government by offering a critical viewpoint and bringing to the fore objective views that accommodate the peoples voices.(*)
Editor: Heru Purwanto
Copyright © ANTARA 2016
