President Jokowi: Press as One of Democratic Pillars, Shared Home to Ascertain Clear Information

President Joko Widodo attended the Commemoration of the National Press Day 2024 at Econventional Hall Ecopark Ancol, Jakarta, on Tuesday (20/02) (Photo: Bureau of Protocol and Public Relations of Cabinet Secretariat/Oji)

President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo attended the Commemoration of the National Press Day 2024 at Econventional Hall Ecopark Ancol, Jakarta, on Tuesday (20/02). On his remarks, the President conveyed his appreciation to all Indonesian press members for their consistency to stand side by side with the people in democratic life.

“I thank all press members for your consistency to stand side by side with the people in democratic life. I would also like to convey my gratitude to the press for overseeing recent General Elections 2024”, the President remarked.

In particular, President conveyed two messages for Indonesian press members. First, the press was expected to be one of the pillars of democracy and become a shared home to clarify information.

“Press must provide news with real facts, not making it up, not making assumptions, not as if it existed”, the President said.

Second, the President requested local press companies to think about concrete and strategic steps as well as continued innovation amid global uncertainty.

“I hope that press companies can think about concrete and strategic steps, keep innovating to be adaptive in responding to global changes, stand tall independently amidst the onslaught of global competition”, he emphasized.

On the occasion, the President also affirmed that he was very respectful of freedom of press, expression, and opinion in the country.

“I often receive sharp criticism such as pictures of my unique face on the covers of media and magazines as well as on social media. This criticism brought excitement, but it is alright. No matters for me. This is a part of my respect for freedom of press, expression, and opinion”, he remarked.

(FID/UN) (GA/MUR)