Natasua Christy Wahyuni, Farouk Arnaz & Rizky Amelia – President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono on Thursday reminded the media of its responsibility to safeguard the integrity of journalism as he reiterated the need for press freedom.
Addressing the celebration of National Press Day 2012 in Jambi, Yudhoyono recognized the press's unique power to influence the government and inform the public. He said the press should strive for balanced reporting that doesn't constantly push toward the bad or good, since that would only bring about public distrust.
"That would make the people become cynical and sceptical and they would blame the government, or even the nation," Yudhoyono said.
Yudhoyono said that besides serving as a means for social control over the government, the press should monitor the circumstances of ordinary people. "Our society now is very critical in observing balance in news reporting," the president said. The media, he added, should help build a peaceful atmosphere by refraining from reporting anything that might only worsen conditions.
His comments come after a spate of violent incidents across the country, many at protests or disputes over land. These events often involved mobs of civilians as well as law enforcers and security personnel.
The Indonesian Journalists Association (PWI) used the occasion to present Education and Culture Minister Mohammad Nuh with the Gold Medal for Press Freedom for his consistency in providing concrete support to the improvement of journalists' professionalism.
"For me, there is no reason to hinder the work of journalists in getting or seeking information because in reality they are partners in communicating and spreading the ministry's program," Nuh said. The medal was given for his role as Communication and Informatics Minister in 2007-2009.
In his current position, Nuh will also provide scholarships for three journalists who won a writing competition held to mark National Press Day. The Spirit of Journalism Award was also presented to respected veteran press activist Atmakusumah Astraatmadja.
Meanwhile, National Police spokesman Brig. Gen. Muhammad Taufik said his institution would move fast to promote a memorandum of understanding signed with the Press Council on Thursday regarding the settlement of press disputes. "We will enhance education and training as well as the socialization of the content of the MoU so that the people and the police know about it," Taufik said.
The MoU is geared toward ending controversy regarding disputes caused by reports in the press. Under the MoU, the police are supposed to let the Press Council decide whether an allegation against a press report should be dealt with under the Press Law or the Penal Code.
The Press Council will also exhaust all avenues of discussion and out-of-court settlements before recommending a case be followed up in court.
Indonesia has come under fire recently for the state of press freedom. A recent global comparative study by Reporters Without Borders found it had dropped to 146th position in 2011 down from 117th a year earlier.
[Additional reporting from Suara Pembaruan and Antara.]