Covering both side of stories which carry a bad side (if it really happens) and a good side (the success achieved) will cause the public to develop positive thoughts about the government, he said.Jambi (ANTARA News) - President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said on Thursday that imbalanced news will make the public unconvinced or skeptical about the government or state agencies.
"Whatever news they (journalists) write, be it bad or good, will lead to public distrust," he said at a function marking National Press Day here.
Covering both side of stories which carry a bad side (if it really happens) and a good side (the success achieved) will cause the public to develop positive thoughts about the government, he said.
Under the present circumstances, the public needs complete and accurate information and, therefore, covering both sides of stories will help them achieve their expectations, he said.
Further, the head of state said as a means of state control, the press plays a greater role in and takes much responsibility for settling a myriad of problems facing the nation.
The various problems can be resolved if there is good collaboration among all parties, including the press, by
covering both sides of stories, he said.
Meanwhile, Communications and Information Minister Tifatul Sembiring said the press plays an ongoing role in keeping the country intact.
"The press needs to continue its struggle to maintain the unity and cohesion of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia," he said.(*)
Editor: Heru Purwanto
Copyright © ANTARA 2012
