ANTARA Karkhas Editor Explains Press Functions at East Java DPRD Socialisation

Situbondo (ANTARA) - Masuki M. Astro, editor of Karkhas (feature articles) at Perum LKBN ANTARA, explained the functions of the press while serving as a resource person at a socialisation event organised by a member of the East Java Regional House of Representatives (DPRD) in Situbondo Regency on Monday.

The East Java DPRD socialisation event, held in collaboration with PWI Situbondo under the theme ‘Journalism Literacy in the Era of Media Disruption’, was attended by school principals from the SMP and SMA level Principals’ Working Deliberation (MKKS), the Elementary School Principals’ Working Group (K3S), Fatayat NU, TP PKK, IPNU and IPPNU, as well as a number of journalists.

‘In a general context recognised throughout the world, and which also happens to be contained in Law Number 40 of 1999 on the Press, there are at least four functions: to inform, to educate, to entertain, and to serve as social control,’ said Mas Uki, as he is known, beginning his presentation on the topic ‘Delving into the Work of Journalists: Uncovering the Hidden’.

Quoting from the book ‘Prophetic Journalism’ by senior journalist Parni Hadi, he said that the work of journalists inherits prophetic duties, and that the journalistic profession should emulate prophetic qualities consisting of siddiq (honesty), amanah (trustworthiness), tabligh (conveying the message), and fathonah (intelligence).

Furthermore, Mas Uki continued, in the book by the former Editor-in-Chief of LKBN ANTARA and former Director of LPP RRI, the author quotes the word of Allah in the Quran, Surah Al Kahfi verse 56, which reads: ‘And We do not send the messengers except as bringers of good tidings and warners’.

On that occasion, he also expressed hope that the socialisation participants would contribute to keeping journalism running well and healthily, one way being by refraining from actions that violate regulations, so as not to tempt journalists to report negative news to the public.

‘Ladies and gentlemen, the weakest of faith is praying for one another, and when you meet fellow journalists, remind each other that journalistic work is very noble and should not be tarnished by activities that actually damage the values of dedication in the work of a journalist,’ said Mas Uki.

Meanwhile, Zainiye, a member of Commission E of the East Java DPRD, said that the socialisation activity in cooperation with PWI Situbondo was intended to provide journalism literacy, including regarding the regulations that bind the journalistic profession.

Situbondo Deputy Regent Ulfiyah, who was also present at the event, expressed gratitude to East Java DPRD member Zainiye for his continued attention, which on this occasion was directed towards the world of journalism.

‘Previously there was unceasing attention to the world of education, from PAUD, TK, to RA. Hopefully this event will strengthen all of us in this era of increasingly advanced technology,’ she said.

PWI Situbondo Chairperson Diana added that the Indonesian Journalists Association must synergise with policymakers, including the DPRD, in providing education to the public, including regarding the rules governing journalists in their work.

‘We will continue to synergise with the regional government, the DPRD, the police, the prosecutor’s office, and community organisations, to support us in educating the public,’ she said.