"I appreciate ANTARA for not forgetting its history, but ANTARA should not become a mere history. ANTARA must be able to genuinely adapt to the current developments in the press industry occurring across the globe," he remarked in Jakarta on Sunday.
Thohir made the statement in his opening remarks for ANTARA's photojournalism exhibition themed "Press, Democracy, and Development" in the state-owned news agency's gallery room.
In his speech, the minister observed that news outlets, as institutions, should participate in ensuring the implementation of the checks and balances mechanism in a state, rather than merely pursuing their own interests.
"Bearing that in mind, I hope that ANTARA will continue to be open to developments, adapt to changes, and play a role as an institution that wields the power to safeguard the checks and balances mechanism," he stated.
He then expressed hope that ANTARA, established 86 years ago, would maintain its role as a media that advocates the interests of the people by producing and spreading quality news that can protect the nation's unity.
"That is the role that ANTARA should retain," he remarked.
ANTARA News Agency is organizing the photojournalism expo to showcase the history of Indonesian press from the days of struggles for independence to the contemporary era.
At the exhibition, visitors can also see several photos that tell stories about the journey of Indonesian general elections, from the inaugural election in 1955 to the campaign activities of presidential and vice presidential candidates in the 2024 General Elections.
Moreover, the event exhibits photos of infrastructure and public facilities built under the administration of President Joko Widodo in the past decade.
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Translator: Benardy F, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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