"The 2024 simultaneous elections is an important moment for Indonesian democracy. Therefore, cooperation between the National Resilience Council and the press as part of the democracy pillars is very important to ensure that elections run smoothly, honestly, and fairly," Hartanto stated here on Thursday.
During a meeting with the national media at the Council's secretariat building in Jakarta, he affirmed that the Council and journalists can synergize in strengthening national resilience in Indonesia, especially ahead of the elections.
He explained that the Council has a vital role in maintaining the four pillars of democracy, such as ensuring that Pancasila, the 1945 Constitution, the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia (NKRI), and Bhinneka Tunggal Ika, or Unity in Diversity, are not merely philosophical but also implemented in government policies and programs.
"Including in facing honest and fair 2024 simultaneous elections," he remarked.
On the other hand, he affirmed that the press has at least three responsibilities in anticipating the elections.
First, the press must disseminate objective and accurate information regarding the electoral process to help voters make their decisions, he explained.
Hartanto highlighted that the second responsibility of the press is to supervise the democratic process through critical and balanced reporting by monitoring the course of elections.
"Three, educate the public about the importance of elections and how they can participate actively and responsibly," he explained.
Representatives of several national media, including state-owned television TVRI, Metro TV, TV One, SCTV, Kompas, CNN Indonesia, and ANTARA News Agency, attended the meeting.
Hartanto expressed hope that the meeting would promote closer cooperation between the Council and national media.
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Translator: Fath M, Kenzu
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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