"The Indonesian press has become an important pillar for our democracy, a voice of truth, and a source of accurate information for the Indonesian people,"
Jakarta (ANTARA) - President Prabowo Subianto reminded Indonesian media and journalists to prioritize national interest while reporting the truth for the people, especially as the nation approaches its 2025 National Press Day on February 9.

In his National Press Day address, as published by the Presidential Secretariat on Sunday (Feb 9), the president also encouraged journalists to persevere with the truth without ever swaying to particular interests or opinions.

"The Indonesian press must always prioritize the interest of the Indonesian nation and people. They must remain vigilant to attempts to control the thoughts and opinions of the people by massive capital outpours," Prabowo emphasized.

He noted the increasing prevalence of individuals with substantial capital and media control seeking to sway the general public with potentially untrue or inaccurate opinions.

Therefore, journalists are expected to defend their integrity and continue their role as national assets, delivering the truth to the people amid global uncertainties.

In the same remarks, Prabowo highlighted the contributions of the Indonesian press in documenting the nation's historical events and safeguarding democracy over the past eight decades.

He commended Indonesian journalists for persevering in disseminating the truth even when faced with increasingly complex challenges.

"The Indonesian press has become an important pillar for our democracy, a voice of truth, and a source of accurate information for the Indonesian people," the president stated.

"I lauded the hard work of our journalists and media colleagues who continue to carry out their work with high dedication despite increasingly complex challenges," Prabowo added.

Indonesia's National Press Day is celebrated annually on February 9 to mark the anniversary of the Indonesian Journalists Association (PWI), which was founded in 1946.

The commemorative day was established by Presidential Decision No. 5 of 1985, recognizing the Indonesian press' "history of struggle and important role in national development as a way to implement Pancasila values."

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Translator: Livia Kristianti, Nabil Ihsan
Editor: Arie Novarina
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