Hendrik Yaputra, Jakarta – President Prabowo Subianto has delegated Coordinating Minister for People's Welfare Empowerment Muhaimin Iskandar (Cak Imin) to attend the peak of the 2026 National Press Day commemoration at Masjid Al Bantani in Serang, Banten, on Monday, February 9, 2026. Cak Imin said that Prabowo could not attend due to a scheduling conflict, but did not elaborate.
"Prabowo actually really wanted to attend. But due to a conflicting agenda, he conveyed his congratulations for the 2026 National Press Day," he said in Banten on Monday, February 9, 2026.
The Chairperson of the PKB party said the Head of State also appreciates the dedication of the Indonesian press to the nation and the state.
Meanwhile, Prabowo summoned the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) and the Indonesian National Police (Polri) to the Presidential Palace in Jakarta this morning, Monday, February 9, 2026. The TNI-Polri Leadership Meeting (Rapim TNI-Polri) was scheduled to start at 10.00 AM local time. One of the participants present was the Chief of Staff of the Indonesian Air Force, Marshal Mohamad Tonny Harjono.
In his speech at the 2026 National Press Day, Cak Imin said journalism could be a beacon of civilization, an engine of change, and a force that clarifies the direction of the times. Therefore, according to Cak Imin, the national interest will not be separated from the work of the press.
According to him, journalism that relies on Artificial Intelligence (AI) will lose its meaning. Without human touch, journalism is at risk of losing empathy.
"Without verification and ethics, it will only give birth to hallucinatory news. And without a commitment to the truth, journalism will distance itself from the public," he said.
He said that the role of the press oriented towards human values is very important. The people need accurate, honest, and directionally beneficial information.
Cak Imin also said that journalism should not be replaced by algorithms. The development of AI and digital technology must not erode the values of journalism. "Let alone damage the economy of mass media. Technology should be a tool, not a replacement for conscience," he said.
Cak Imin said that the strength of the press comes from critical thinking. The press must uphold the truth, balance, and public responsibility.
The commemoration of the 2026 National Press Day carries the theme of Healthy Press, Sovereign Economy, Strong Nation. The event was attended by the Chairman of the People's Consultative Assembly, Ahmad Muzani, the Minister of Communication and Digital, Meutya Hafid, the Minister for Villages, Underdeveloped Regions, and Transmigration, Yandri Susanto, as well as the Minister of Culture of the Republic of Indonesia, Fadli Zon.
The event was also attended by the Governor of Banten, Andra Soni, the Chair of the Press Council, Komarudin Hidayat, and the Chairman of the Indonesian Journalists Association (PWI) Central Akhmad Munir.
Source: https://en.tempo.co/read/2086059/prabowo-absent-for-national-press-da