Deputy Minister: Indonesia’s Press Serves as Bastion of National Interests

JAKARTA, investortrust.id - Indonesia’s deputy minister of communications and digital affairs calls on the nation’s press and media industry to stand as a bulwark for national and societal interests, resisting global trends that may not align with the country’s unique realities. This appeal highlights the critical role of journalism in navigating economic and technological challenges while fostering unity and accurate public discourse.

Deputy Minister of Communications and Digital Affairs Angga Raka Prabowo delivered these remarks on Thursday, Feb. 20, 2025, during the opening of the 2025 National Media Convention, hosted by the Indonesian Press Council, in Jakarta.

“Too often, we see media framing that benefits a select few rather than the broader national interest. We urge the press to serve as a fortress for Indonesia’s priorities and its people, not merely follow global trends that may not reflect our reality,” Angga said in his keynote address.

He underscored the indispensable role of journalists as conduits of information for both the public and the government. Without an active media, he noted, government policies would struggle to reach citizens effectively. The convention, attended by media leaders and policymakers, came amid global uncertainties—ranging from regional conflicts and economic pressures to technological rivalries, particularly in artificial intelligence chip production—that have reverberated in Indonesia.

Angga highlighted Indonesia’s push for “hilirisasi,” or downstream processing of natural resources, as a case where media support proved vital. Facing external pressures over this policy, the press played a key role in disseminating accurate information and reinforcing national pride.

“Our tradition of gotong royong—collective effort—helps us weather challenges. Collaboration and mutual support are how we overcome tough times,” he said. “This convention is a pivotal moment for the government and media to sit together and find solutions for the nation’s good.”

The deputy minister also addressed the transformative impact of technology on media operations and information consumption. He urged the press to act as a bridge, adapting to digital shifts while upholding journalistic integrity.

“Speed must not sacrifice accuracy, and national interests must always come first,” he emphasized. The government, he added, viewed the media as a partner in nation-building, committed to the principle of “No One Left Behind,” a mantra championed by President Prabowo Subianto.

Angga stressed that amid today’s digital landscape, where citizens increasingly scrutinize their information sources, sensationalism risked eroding public trust. “We hope the media returns to true journalistic values—timely, objective, and oriented toward the nation’s welfare.

Government and media must walk hand in hand,” he concluded. Through the Ministry of Communications and Digital Affairs (Kemenkomdigi), he pledged openness to ideas and collaboration with journalists and digital creatives, confident that unity was the path to progress.

The convention spotlighted broader industry challenges, including multiple disruptions noted by the Press Council. Ninik Rahayu, chair of Dewan Pers, echoed the need for resilience and adaptation in her address. For Angga, the event underscored a shared commitment to balancing innovation with responsibility, ensuring the press remained a pillar of Indonesia’s development.