"I am obliged to specially appreciate Antara for pledging to continue upholding the ethical code of journalism in carrying out its job and contributing to improve the nations intellect," he stated at the presentation of the Antara awards and the launch of a new version of the Antaranews website here on Monday.
President Yudhoyono stated that Antaras efforts to remain objective in reporting its news stories must be appreciated because it is not an easy task.
"Maintaining the presss independence and responsibility is easier said than done. It is neither easy to be objective, responsible, fair, and non-partisan or not too partisan," he pointed out.
LKBN Antara has been involved in spreading information and reporting events from the countrys pre-independence days up to now and has been covering important historical moments in Indonesia including the reform movement, the president remarked.
"I thank Antara, which commenced operations before the countrys independence and has been involved in reporting historical moments during the independence era and afterwards. Antaras culture is fighting the evils in our society and is actively involved in developing the nation. Antara has fought for a long time," he added.
"We have even recorded a milestone when in 1998, Antara along with other media organizations helped in the successful transformation of the country to not only reform but also aid in the development of democracy, which has helped to advance the nation. We are also thankful for the participation and contribution made in safeguarding the general election and assuring its peaceful implementation," Yudhoyono stated.
On the occasion, LKBN Antara presented awards to several individuals and companies who have been heedful to their social responsibilities and child education and have exhibited philanthropic actions.
The "Antaranews CSR Award" was given to PT Semen Padang Indonesia, BPJS Ketenagakerjaan Insurance, and PT Astra International.
The award was also presented to Dato Sri Prof. Tahir for his philanthropic endeavors and First Lady Ani Yudhoyono as a figure who cares about the improvement of the intellect of the Indonesian children.
The First Lady was considered to be the initiator of the establishment of "Smart House" in the country, which have now increased to 511 spread across the country.
Several cabinet ministers were seen attending the event: Coordinating Minister for Political, Security and Legal Affairs Djoko Suyanto, Coordinating Minister for Peoples Welfare Agung Laksono, Communication and Informatics Minister Tifatul Sembiring, Minister/State Secretary Sudi Silalahi, and Cabinet Secretary Dipo Alam, and LKBN Antara President Director Syaiful Hadi.
Reporting by Panca Hari Prabowo
(T.P008/H-YH/INE/B003)
EDITED BY INE
(T.SYS/B/KR-BSR/B003)
Editor: Aditia Maruli Radja
Copyright © ANTARA 2014
