"The president asked the assistance of the press to keep democratic processes such as the regional chief elections free from destructive practices such as money politics," Bagir said.Jakarta (ANTARA News) - President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono hopes that the national press will continue to play an active role in overseeing democratic processes in the country, including the implementation of regional elections.
The President expressed the hope at a meeting with Press Council Chairman Bagir Manan, Indonesian Journalists Association (PWI) Chairman Margiono and a few senior journalists at his office here Monday.
The President asked the press to optimize its contribution to the development of democracy by taking part in supervising the implementation of regional chief elections to prevent the practice of "money politics," Bagir told reporters after the meeting.
"The president asked the assistance of the press to keep democratic processes such as the regional chief elections free from destructive practices such as money politics," Bagir said.
The President was very concerned about money politics in the regional chief polls because the practice would harm democracy which was now developing rapidly in the country, Bagir said.
The President also asked the press to continue fulfilling its function of informing the public in accordance with its legitimate right to information.
"The press is expected to keep playing its role in fulfilling the people`s right to know. The press must continue to help the people in keeping abreast of national and international affairs," he said.
Bagir, Margiono and members of the Indonesian journalists National Press Day 2012 organizing committee met the President to request his preparedness to attend the peak event of National Press Day celebrations in Jambi next February 9.
At the meeting the President was flanked by Minister/State Secretary Sudi Silalahi, Cabinet Press Secretary Dipo Alam and Communication and Informatics Minister Tifatul Sembiring.(*)
Editor: Heru Purwanto
Copyright © ANTARA 2012
