"There are a lot of temptations, with regard to power. At present, the Indonesian nation is being tested about whether we are wise and clever enough in using power. Whoever holds power, be it the government, the parliament, the press or law enforcers, must be careful in using it and must not abuse it. Power tends to be abused and absolute power may be abused absolutely, as well," he said at the launching of new ANTARA News display and presentation of ANTARA Awards here on Monday.
President Yudhoyono said Indonesia, at present, is actually enjoying a surplus of freedom.
"Freedom could be abused and the impact of an abuse of absolute freedom will be huge. We now are actually seeing a surplus of freedom, and so, let us use it wisely because the goal of freedom is the common good for all the Indonesian people," he said.
To the Indonesian press and mass media, President Yudhoyono especially appealed to continue preserving its character and fundamental stance and culture so that the media could provide the information the public needs.
He noted, "People are critical. They are a silent, but huge power. People are critical about the media, which is partisan and not fair and balanced in their reporting. People are the referees and they are actually stronger than the government and the state. If they have a will, it will happen, God willing."
In view of that, he hoped the press would continue guarding its character and culture as one of the nations democratic pillars.(*)
Editor: Heru Purwanto
Copyright © ANTARA 2014
