Kemkomdigi has never issued any circular prohibiting media coverage of demonstrations.
Cikarang, Jawa Barat (ANTARA) - The Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs (Kemkomdigi) has emphasized that no restrictions have been imposed on media coverage of public demonstrations.

“There are none. As we can see, the media is reporting freely, including live coverage,” said Deputy Minister of Communication and Digital Affairs, Nezar Patria, during a visit to Cikarang, West Java, on Saturday.

He explained that Kemkomdigi only advises media outlets to avoid broadcasting content that could provoke unrest, incite public anger, or escalate tensions.

“Beyond that, it’s entirely free. There is no censorship. As everyone can see, everything is proceeding transparently. We’re simply offering a perspective to encourage quality journalism,” he said.

Nezar stressed the importance of upholding the principles of quality journalism when covering protests in order to prevent the spread of misinformation and disinformation, which could inflame the situation or contribute to chaos.

Addressing the controversy surrounding a circular letter from the Jakarta Regional Broadcasting Commission (KPID), which allegedly prohibited dozens of broadcasters from airing protest coverage, Nezar said he was not aware of such a directive.

However, he firmly stated that Kemkomdigi has never issued any circular prohibiting media coverage of demonstrations.

“I don’t know about KPID—you may check with them—but Komdigi has never issued any such letter,” he confirmed.

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Nezar also urged the media to uphold professional journalism standards and adhere strictly to journalistic codes of ethics. He encouraged media organizations to contribute to finding solutions to the current national challenges.

“I believe, especially in times like these, we must all stay calm and work together to find solutions, rather than fueling anger. In this regard, the media plays an essential role in cooling down the situation and documenting the key issues that need to be addressed collectively,” he added.

Earlier, Chairman of the Indonesian Broadcasting Commission (KPI), Ubaidillah, also affirmed the right of broadcasters to cover public demonstrations professionally.

“We fully respect the role of broadcasters in meeting the public’s need for information, as this is a fundamental human right protected by law,” Ubaid said in a statement received in Jakarta on Friday (August 30).

He noted that amid waves of protests, the need for accurate, balanced, and verified information—particularly from broadcast media such as television and radio—remains vital. The public’s right to access information, he added, must be upheld.

Therefore, Ubaid emphasized that the KPI fully supports broadcasters in fulfilling their responsibility to inform the public about the current national situation, provided their coverage adheres to applicable regulations.



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Translator: Fath, Azis Kurmala
Editor: M Razi Rahman
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