ANTARA: The Press Must Maintain Professionalism Amid Information Disruption

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Director General of Perum LKBN ANTARA, Benny Siga Butarbutar, views the momentum of World Press Freedom Day 2026 as a reminder for the media to maintain professionalism and social responsibility amid digital information disruptions.

“For me, press freedom is a human right. The issue now, in the midst of an era of information that is so disrupted, the press needs to shape itself to become more professional,” said Benny after participating in the Fun Walk for World Press Freedom Day at the Press Council Building, Jakarta, on Sunday.

He stated that mainstream media still has a competitive advantage because it is better known to the public and can serve as a reflection of societal conditions.

According to him, the current challenge for the media is not only to maintain the speed of information but also to carry out social responsibility to enlighten the nation’s life.

“Mainstream media, online media, or new media all share the same goal, which is to make efforts to enlighten the nation’s life,” he said.

Benny emphasised that ANTARA has a role in presenting information that helps the public make accurate decisions, both for themselves and their communities.

“The public does not want uniform information. They want to obtain information that can help them make decisions for themselves, their communities, and their nation,” he said.

“News agencies and other media remain part of conveying freedom, but with the spirit of having social responsibility,” said Benny.

Meanwhile, the Press Council itself held a fun walk titled “Indonesian Press: Adapting & With Integrity” on Sunday, 10 May 2026, as part of the World Press Freedom Day commemoration.

The Chairman of the Press Council, Komaruddin Hidayat, said that the fun walk with media professionals provides an opportunity to strengthen the commitment to upholding journalistic principles.

“This fun walk with fellow press members and the Press Council gives us a sense of inner warmth, closeness, camaraderie, and also a commitment that the press is increasingly existent in upholding press principles, objectivity, professionalism, and ethics,” said Komaruddin.

The event, which started at 06.00 WIB, followed a route from the Press Council Building to the HI Roundabout and back to the Press Council Building, covering approximately 4 kilometres.