Press freedom in Indonesia must continue to uphold ethical values and principles of journalism that aim to educate the nation and uphold the pillars of democracy
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Press freedom needs to be balanced with serious efforts to prevent the spread of hoaxes, disinformation, and news that can incite hatred, Speaker of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) Bambang Soesatyo has said.

"Although press freedom must be upheld, the press is asked to prevent the reporting of hoaxes, disinformation, and those that can trigger hatred against each other," he said on the commemoration of World Press Freedom Day here on Wednesday.

He asked all press workers to produce beneficial news and information for the community.

He said he expects press personnel to work, express, and communicate beneficial information through writings and infographics that can help realize an intelligent generation and generate sustainable peace in the community.

Soesatyo also lauded the 2023 World Press Freedom Day commemoration, themed "Shaping a Future of Rights: Freedom of Expression as a Driver for All Other Human Rights."

"Press freedom in Indonesia must continue to uphold ethical values and principles of journalism that aim to educate the nation and uphold the pillars of democracy," he said.

He also urged the government to evaluate regulations related to freedom of the press in carrying out its profession.

"Press personnel must remain independent because intervention can threaten the press's existence," he said.

He asked the government to continue to protect human rights by implementing press freedom and paying attention to the welfare of press workers.

The MPR Speaker also asked the government to revise press regulations that no longer serve the current situation.

"So that the existing regulations will be able to protect press freedom, in terms of covering various activities or programs and ensuring the press is free from threats from any party," he explained.

Indonesia scored 77.88 on the Press Freedom Index in 2022, based on a survey conducted by the Press Council from January to December 2021.

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Translator: Gilang G, Kenzu
Editor: Sri Haryati
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