Bakom asserts no cooperation with Indonesia New Media Forum

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Indonesian Government Communication Agency (Bakom) has asserted that to date, there is no cooperation or contract with the Indonesia New Media Forum (INMF), following a meeting with them on Tuesday (5/5). “Currently, there is no cooperation or contract whatsoever between Bakom and INMF or with any of the new media listed in the INMF document,” states an official Bakom statement in Jakarta on Thursday. It was explained that the meeting stemmed from an audience request submitted by INMF on Tuesday (5/5). “At the beginning of the meeting, Bakom and INMF members introduced themselves to each other. INMF explained about new media and the INMF organisation,” the release states. During the meeting, INMF also handed over a document titled “New Media Forum 2026” containing names of new media practitioners. Bakom then posed several questions regarding the working mechanisms of new media, including the application of the balance principle (cover both sides), which has long been a standard for conventional media. “INMF responded that they have a method called ‘verification’,” the release states. Subsequently, on Wednesday (6/5), Bakom held its weekly press conference as part of the “Quick Best Results Programme” update, which was also attended by new media. “Partners in the sense of media need news, and the government needs to convey information to the public,” the Bakom release states. Several issues In that press conference, Head of Bakom RI Muhammad Qodari mentioned that there are still several issues that need to be agreed upon between new media, the Press Council, and conventional media. However, Bakom views that new media needs to be reached out to so that its quality and standards can improve, making its products increasingly better. “The mention of names of new media in that press conference was based on the document provided by INMF to Bakom in the 5 May 2026 meeting,” the release states. “Bakom fully respects the independence of new media as well as conventional media,” the release states. Media reality Bakom also 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,” the Bakom statement says. Bakom views new media as an important part of the public information ecosystem that still maintains its respective independence. “If there is any mention or ‘framing’ that causes misunderstanding in the public space, this becomes a concern to be corrected,” the Bakom release states.