"PWI grows increasingly relevant, because we cannot turn a blind eye to the condition where many media outlets struggle to keep up. Meaning, PWI grows increasingly relevant and crucial, not only for the press, but also for the nation," she remarked.
Hafid also highlighted current challenges, such as digitalization and the rise of artificial intelligence (AI), which blur the line between factual news and hoaxes.
"We, the government, always stress in any forum, to rely on journalistic works that adhere to ethical standards amid the challenges. Journalism ethics has been upheld by mainstream media, conventional media who have contributed to the protection of this country since the nation's founding," she noted.
She also reminded journalists of their predecessors' role in spreading news about Indonesian independence.
"Those who spread news about this nation, both domestically and internationally. Social media does not have that kind of record. Thus, a balance of both is crucial. One should not overshadow the others," she said.
She opined that the government needs to establish a regulation to bridge the rapid growth of social media with the long-established mainstream media sector. One example of the regulation is the Publisher Rights Presidential Regulation, which reflects the association's hopes and expectations.
During her time in the House of Representatives, the seventh president Joko Widodo said on National Press Day that the regulation must be formulated and ratified soon, she said.
Hafid recounted how the journalists took some time to create it, because there were plenty of bright ideas and inputs for the regulation. Afterwards, a finished draft is inked by Jokowi.
Under President Prabowo Subianto's administration, progress on the regulation continues through the formation of a committee. The government also encouraged digital platforms to comply with the initiative.
"There is one platform, Google, that has assisted the existing media ecosystem. When they take in journalistic content, they have to give compensation," she said.
The minister also noted that the officiation of the new central management board of PWI marks a new start for the organization, where PWI serves as a safe house that can motivate members to be productive, credible, independent, and ethical.
She expressed hope that the occasion can remind everyone of the importance of the press in uniting the nation, calling for collaboration between PWI and both central and regional governments.
"We will also inform the heads of communication affairs offices that the regional government must work alongside PWI across Indonesia. The government must support PWI and the national media ecosystem," Hafid stressed.
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Translator: Teguh Imam Wibowo/Aris Wasita, Mecca Yumna
Editor: Arie Novarina
Copyright © ANTARA 2025
