Deputy Minister of Communications states healthy media ecosystem is crucial for human rights protection

Jakarta — Deputy Minister of Communications and Digital Affairs Nezar Patria has stated that the presence of a healthy media ecosystem is essential for efforts to protect human rights.

He conveyed that journalists have long been viewed as defenders of human rights because of their role in exposing human rights violations and monitoring the exercise of power.

“Journalists report human rights violations, act as a watchdog against power, and advocate for communities that are victims of human rights violations,” he said.

However, the changing landscape of mass media alongside developments in digital technology and social media has enabled this role to be carried out by many more members of the public, not just journalists.

“If mainstream media once shaped public opinion, now social media also builds perceptions,” said Nezar.

Yet information shared through social media platforms is not always accurate and correct because it does not go through a verification process.

“In this situation, what is wrong can appear right and what is black can look white,” said Nezar.

He stated that in such conditions, the role of quality journalism that adheres to verification principles to ensure the truthfulness and accuracy of information conveyed to the public becomes increasingly important.

“Through this collaboration programme between media and the human rights development agenda, I hope to create a healthy media ecosystem so that information flow in the public sphere can support democracy, protect human rights, and strengthen Indonesian civilisation that upholds values of truth and humanity,” he explained.