Dutch Ambassador Reaffirms Commitment to Supporting Press Freedom in Indonesia
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Dutch Ambassador to Indonesia Marc Gerritsen affirmed his government's commitment to supporting media freedom in Indonesia. This was conveyed during the King's Day Celebration 2025 held in Jakarta on Tuesday.
Gerritsen stated that engagement with the media is an important priority for the Dutch Embassy, as the Netherlands is deeply connected to the values of press freedom.
"You see around the world, media is sometimes pressured, intimidated, or their freedom is restricted. We try around the world to support journalists with their rights, with their freedom, to help them and to protect them," said Gerritsen.
Whilst acknowledging that media freedom in Indonesia is fairly good, Ambassador Gerritsen noted that there is always room for improvement and attention, just as in the Netherlands. He emphasised the importance of interaction between the media and the government to address limitations in journalistic work.
On the occasion, Gerritsen also revealed that the Netherlands facilitates connections between journalists and the government so that journalists are aware of their rights and what they can expect from the government.
"We want to ensure there are no misunderstandings and no areas where, as media, you cannot do your job properly," said Gerritsen, emphasising the importance of a supportive environment for journalists to carry out their profession effectively.
Gerritsen stated that engagement with the media is an important priority for the Dutch Embassy, as the Netherlands is deeply connected to the values of press freedom.
"You see around the world, media is sometimes pressured, intimidated, or their freedom is restricted. We try around the world to support journalists with their rights, with their freedom, to help them and to protect them," said Gerritsen.
Whilst acknowledging that media freedom in Indonesia is fairly good, Ambassador Gerritsen noted that there is always room for improvement and attention, just as in the Netherlands. He emphasised the importance of interaction between the media and the government to address limitations in journalistic work.
On the occasion, Gerritsen also revealed that the Netherlands facilitates connections between journalists and the government so that journalists are aware of their rights and what they can expect from the government.
"We want to ensure there are no misunderstandings and no areas where, as media, you cannot do your job properly," said Gerritsen, emphasising the importance of a supportive environment for journalists to carry out their profession effectively.