"Political tensions are increasing ahead of the implementation of the regional head elections across Indonesia on February 15, 2017," Kurniawan stated here on Thursday.
The lawmaker pointed out that the press had become one of the important pillars in developing the nation and its democratic values.
"The press has become part of the development and consolidation of democracy," he remarked.
The press had an important role in determining the quality of democracy in Indonesia, he pointed out.
"Instances of fake and hoax news spread through several social media platforms have increased in the country," he said.
Fake news has the potential to disrupt harmony and tolerance in Indonesia.
"In the reform era, the press has become a spearhead. The press is tasked with spreading information for educational, entertainment, and societal purposes," he remarked.
Journalists have committed to combating the circulation of fake news, Chairman of the Indonesian Press Council Yosep Stanley Adi Prasetyo had noted earlier.
"The main task of journalists is to reveal the truth. However, the truth is often tainted by the circulation of hoax news," Prasetyo stated during the summit of National Press Day 2017 held here on Thursday.
Fake news is disseminated to spread slanderous messages and hatred through social media, the chairman pointed out.
"Social media has not only become a tool to forge friendships and to share memories but also to circulate fake news," he said.
Prasetyo remarked that the circulation of false news has had a negative impact on the people.
Hence, he emphasized that the mainstream media should play an active role in disseminating news by journalists who uphold ethics and have the necessary competence.
The function of the press, as a watchdog, should be based on truth and ethics of the profession. (*)
Editor: Heru Purwanto
Copyright © ANTARA 2017
