AMSI West Kalimantan Holds Journalist Competency Test to Strengthen Integrity and Credibility

Pontianak (ANTARA) - A total of 23 journalists participated in a Journalist Competency Test (UKJ) organised by the West Kalimantan branch of the Indonesian Cyber Media Association (AMSI) as an effort to strengthen the integrity and credibility of the press amidst declining public trust in the media. ‘We as journalists must continue to affirm ourselves as part of the four pillars of democracy, the guardians of power. Therefore, we must constantly renew ourselves, enhance our capacity, and learn new things,’ said AMSI West Kalimantan Chairman Muhlis Suhaeri in Pontianak on Thursday. Speaking at the opening of the event, he stated that the UKJ serves as a means for journalists to continuously improve their capacity to remain relevant in carrying out the press’s function as the fourth pillar of democracy and a watchdog over the exercise of power. According to him, the challenges facing the media industry today are not only related to changes in business models but also the declining level of public trust in journalistic products across various countries. He explained that the public is increasingly seeking information through social media, influencers, and artificial intelligence (AI) technologies such as Gemini and Meta, making integrity a crucial asset that mainstream media must possess. Meanwhile, West Kalimantan Regional Secretary Harisson, who officially opened the event, stressed the importance of strict professional standards for journalists, similar to other professions concerning the public interest. He noted that in the current VUCA era—characterised by Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity, and Ambiguity—society requires information that is accurate, in-depth, and accountable. ‘Journalists must truly have competence. Reporting to inform the public must genuinely maintain accuracy, depth, and ethics. If you uphold these, I believe public trust will be high,’ he said. The AMSI West Kalimantan UKJ 2026 featured five examiners from Kompas and received support from various strategic partners, including the West Kalimantan Provincial Government, West Kalimantan Regional Police, BPJS Ketenagakerjaan, PT Dharma Inti Bersama, Sinar Mas Agribusiness and Food, PT Well Harvest Winning Alumina Refinery, PLN, GAPKI Kalbar, PT Borneo Alumina Indonesia, Wilmar, Indosat, and Aming Coffee.