We expect that the eve of National Press Day's commemoration could proceed well and that all members of the press could continue to help (the government) in handling the pandemicJakarta (ANTARA) - News produced by the nation’s media has protected the public from COVID-19 hoaxes, COVID-19 Handling and National Economic Recovery Committee (KPCPEN) Head Airlangga Hartarto noted in a statement here on Wednesday.
To this end, Hartarto, on the behalf of the Party of Functional Groups (Golkar) and various parties that handle the COVID-19 pandemic, expressed his gratitude to the Indonesian media for their professional journalistic output.
The work by the members of the press plays an important role in COVID-19 mitigation because the public must receive accurate and accountable information, he added.
He observed that hoaxes concerning COVID-19 still run amok in social media and messenger application networks.
Related news: Minister presses for collaboration to create healthy press ecosystem
However, he believes that the public still relies on journalistic products, primarily news, to receive their primary information on the COVID-19 pandemic.
Hence, Hartarto expects that the 2022 National Press Day's commemoration could encourage an increased momentum for all members of the medi to continue to produce professional and even-handed journalistic works that could revive the people's spirit and optimism.
The National Press Day is celebrated by the press in Indonesia every February 9. The eve of the day's commemoration was held in Kendari, Southeast Sulawesi, on Wednesday.
Related news: Difficult for press to enforce qualified journalism: Plate
"We expect that the eve of National Press Day's commemoration could proceed well and that all members of the press could continue to help (the government) in handling the pandemic," he noted.
Pandemic mitigation necessitates cooperation from all parties, including the press, he emphasized.
"Let us work together to handle the pandemic. The government, with its policies, the public with stringent health protocols, and the press with its positive journalism," he noted.
"With this, we expect that we could break free from the terrible impact of the COVID-19 pandemic's third wave," he said.
Related news: President supports immediate issuance of publisher rights regulation
Related news: Indonesian press should make the most of G20 Presidency: Jokowi
Translator: Genta Tenri M, Fadhli Ruhman
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
Copyright © ANTARA 2022
