President Yudhoyono said he had appreciated press freedom since 1999 while he was still active in the military (TNI)."Until now I remain consistent that press freedom is very important to be maintained in Indonesia," he said.
Jambi (ANTARA News) - President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono emphasized the importance of maintaining press freedom in the country on Thursday.

"Through press freedom people are assured information that they need and this meets the principles of `right to know of the people`," he said before hundreds of media people at an event to mark the National Press Day.

He said with the press freedom democracy would be safeguarded. With the press freedom the government and all state institutions could be controlled by the press and people`s aspirations as well as public policies and what the government has done could be made known.

With the press freedom openness would be created to make interactions between the head of state and the people possible. If all elements are really implemented he said he believed it would bring benefit and goodness to the country.

President Yudhoyono said he had appreciated press freedom since 1999 while he was still active in the military (TNI). He said in a discussion forum the President said it was important to assure that the press freedom remains alive in the country.

"Until now I remain consistent that press freedom is very important to be maintained in Indonesia," he said.

President Yudhoyono did not deny various impacts that press freedom had brought on several countries but he believed that it was better to have it rather than not having it such in countries under totalitarian system or authoritarian governments.

Regarding press development in the country President Yudhoyono said that the press community in the country had been better in developing communication with the public. They have big moral responsibility, he said.

He said what the press is doing will affect the people much and therefore the press community must continue to maintain its integrity and capacity.

"I am glad if the press could continue maintaining its integrity and improving its capacity. I would also like to thank the press for having participated in the country`s development," he said.

In the event that was also attended by First Lady Any Yudhoyono, several cabinet members and other officials including the chairman of the Press Council, Bagir Manan, the President received 22 books written by press components from the event committee chairman, Margiono.(*)

Editor: Heru Purwanto
Copyright © ANTARA 2012