The president’s message was delivered by Coordinating Minister for Community Empowerment Abdul Muhaimin Iskandar during the National Press Day commemoration in Serang, Banten, on Monday.
Iskandar said the head of state, who was unable to attend due to a separate engagement, holds deep respect for journalists across the country and values their dedication and contribution to the nation.
In his remarks, Iskandar pointed to rapid technological advances as both an opportunity and a challenge for journalism. He stressed that technology should serve as a supporting tool rather than replace human judgment and conscience.
He underlined that journalism would continue to require a human touch to ensure quality, uphold ethics, and remain faithful to the truth amid ongoing technological disruption, noting that the public would not accept reporting that relies heavily on automation.
“We in the government are committed to ensuring that mass media remains part of the economic chain so that quality journalism can endure as a pillar of democracy,” Iskandar added, pledging support for publisher rights.
Iskandar also highlighted Indonesia’s position as Southeast Asia’s largest digital market, with more than 80 percent of its population of around 280 million connected to the internet. This condition, he said, makes national stability closely linked to information flows and media sentiment.
Against this backdrop, he called on the press to play a key role in safeguarding public reasoning by countering hoaxes and disinformation, while also helping the government communicate its policies clearly and responsibly.
To support national development, he said, the media can disseminate accurate and reliable information on priority programs such as the Free Nutritious Meals initiative, People’s School, and the Red-and-White Village Cooperatives.
He concluded by urging the press, government institutions, and the public to work together in fostering an enabling ecosystem for ethical and high-quality journalism in support of the Golden Indonesia 2045 vision.
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Translator: Fianda S, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Primayanti
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