Communications Minister Emphasises Journalists' Role in Upholding Truth Amid Rapid Information Flow
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Minister of Communications and Digital (Menkomdigi) Meutya Hafid emphasised that journalists play a key role in upholding truth amid the increasingly rapid flow of information that is not always verified.
“This is an era where information is very fast and abundant, and much of it has not undergone proper verification because people are racing against time,” said Meutya at the World Press Freedom Day Commemoration 2026 in Central Jakarta on Sunday.
According to her, media practitioners are required to continue safeguarding the values and benefits of news for the public amid the pressure of information production speed. In the digital era, speed must not override accuracy.
“Fundamentally, we produce news for the benefit of many people, not to the detriment of many,” she stated.
Furthermore, Meutya explained that the dissemination of accurate information is a constitutional mandate as stipulated in Article 28 of the 1945 Constitution.
In this regard, the government and media practitioners share the same responsibility to ensure the quality of information circulating in the public sphere.
“Information is part of human rights. However, the law does not refer to untrue information or misinformation. What is meant as part of human rights is true information,” she clarified.
She also reminded of the importance of caution in live broadcasting practices, both in conventional and digital media, which have great potential to spread information quickly.
Meanwhile, Press Council Chairman Komarudin Hidayat assessed that amid the inevitable explosion of information, society’s need for quality press is actually increasing.
This indicates a shift in public awareness in selecting information sources.
“When there is an explosion of information, it is indeed something that cannot be rejected. However, society’s need for quality press is now increasingly felt,” said Komarudin.
He added that society is now beginning to balance consumption of social media with the need for reliable information, thus the presence of professional press remains relevant.
“There is awareness between the need to enjoy social media and the awareness to seek quality news that is now increasingly emerging,” he continued.
Komarudin also called on all stakeholders to continue improving the quality of the national press within the framework of responsible press freedom.
“Responsible press freedom is needed by society today, and the role of the Press Council together with all stakeholders to enhance the quality of the press in Indonesia,” he concluded.