Amid Reports of New Media Becoming Government Partners, Bakom Provides Explanation
Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia - The Government Communication Agency has released an official statement regarding the widespread reporting on new media. Bakom views new media as an important part of the public information ecosystem that retains its respective independence.
As reported in the press release on Friday (8/5/2026), Bakom revealed that it received an audience request from the Indonesia New Media Forum (INMF) on 5 May 2026. At the beginning of the meeting, Bakom and INMF members introduced themselves. INMF explained about new media and the INMF organisation.
“INMF explained that they gather to improve quality and development space. Some information they conveyed is that new media must have a company, address, and responsible party,” Bakom wrote.
INMF provided a document titled New Media Forum 2026. The document listed the names of New Media Players. Bakom responded by asking several questions about the working mechanisms of new media. For example, about the cover both sides mechanism, which is usually a standard in conventional media. INMF answered that they have a method called “verification”.
On Wednesday (6/5/2026), Bakom held a weekly press conference as part of the Best Results Quick Programme update. During the event, new media were also present. Bakom considers new media as communication partners just like conventional media. Partners in the sense that media need news and the government needs to convey information to the public.
On that occasion, Head of Bakom M. Qodari stated that there are still several issues that need to be settled between new media, the Press Council, and conventional media. However, Bakom’s view is that new media need to be reached to improve quality and standards so that their products become increasingly high-quality.
“The mention of new media names in the press conference was based on the document provided by INMF to Bakom in the meeting on 5 May 2026 mentioned above,” Bakom wrote.
Bakom sees that the current media reality has changed and developed significantly compared to 20 or 30 years ago. Currently, there are at least four types of media: conventional media, new media, social media, and DFK media (Disinformation, Slander, Hatred). What becomes our common enemy is DFK media.
“There is currently no cooperation or contract whatsoever between Bakom and INMF or with any of the new media listed in the INMF document. Bakom fully respects the independence of new media as well as conventional media,” Bakom wrote.
“The meeting with various new media actors is solely aimed at opening communication channels and expanding public information access. There is no contract, editorial direction, or binding partnership form that ties certain media to support the government.”
If there is any mention or framing that causes misunderstanding in the public space, Bakom states that this is a concern to be improved. Bakom views new media as an important part of the public information ecosystem that retains its respective independence.
“Bakom is open to criticism, corrections, and the cover both sides mechanism as part of healthy democracy,” Bakom wrote.