ANTARA CEO emphasises the importance of information accuracy in the digital era
Bandung (ANTARA) - The CEO of the National News Agency (LKBN) Antara, Benny Siga Butarbutar, has emphasised the growing importance of the media’s role in safeguarding public information accuracy amid the challenges of the digital era, with the rapid flow of social media content.
At the PLN Indonesia Power Renewables (PLN IPRen) Portfolio Forum for 2026 in Bandung on Thursday, Benny, who delivered a session on stakeholder management, revealed that in the current digital era, stakeholders face challenges and pressures not only domestically but also from abroad as a result of global contests, thereby increasing the need for influence.
“If the media collapses, everything (the nation) will collapse, because we lose quality information, as mainstream media is bound to maintain its quality (as a clearing house) through various regulations that govern it,” said Benny.
Amid the intensifying battle for influence, he stated, mainstream media, especially those with extensive networks and state orientation, truly play a very strategic role as guardians of information quality, unity, and the nation’s fortress, thus needing to be strengthened.
In the midst of the rapid development of social media, Benny emphasised that society still requires accurate and trustworthy information.
“Media journalism has an advantage in verifying objectivity, where media objectivity is based on two pillars: facts and relevance, as well as impartiality and covering both sides. So, if maintained, it becomes quality information,” he said.
Benny assessed that in the future, social media with its speed will complement conventional mass media with its accurate information, mutually supporting each other in meeting information needs while clarifying them.
During his activities in Bandung, Benny also took the time to visit the Antara West Java Bureau office at Jalan Braga 25. At this media office, which has branches across all provinces, Benny provided several directives on addressing various current issues both domestically and internationally.