"Happy National Press Day! I hope that the Indonesian press will continue to take part in enlightening people and strengthening harmony among religious communities. I would like to thank journalists for synergizing with the Religious Affairs Ministry in supporting religion development," he said in Jakarta.
He lauded the theme "Escorting National Leadership Transition and Safeguarding National Integrity" for this year's National Press Day, saying that it is highly relevant given Indonesia's current statehood dynamics for two reasons.
First, this year's National Press Day has come just days before the voting day of the 2024 General Elections (February 14). He emphasized that the press can play a significant role in achieving Indonesia's dream of honest, fair, and confidential elections.
To that end, he asked Indonesian journalists to assist the government in encouraging people to exercise their voting rights wisely and prudently.
"As the fourth pillar of democracy, the press wields a strategic role in overseeing every stage of national development, including the period of national leadership transition," he said.
Elaborating on the second reason, he stressed that the upcoming elections must not disrupt the well-fostered harmony in Indonesia and emphasized the importance of anticipating any potential for discord in the aftermath of the elections.
Qoumas observed that the Indonesian press has been playing a strategic role in safeguarding national integrity.
He also expressed the hope that people will go on with their lives as usual after the festival of democracy.
"We hope that the political situation will return to normal after the people exercise their voting rights. Everyone should continue their lives and carry out their respective duties while monitoring vote calculation by the General Elections Commission (KPU)," he said.
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Translator: Asep F, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Anton Santoso
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