Haedar Nashir: The State Needs Information and Criticism from the Mass Media

Muhammadiyah chairman Haedar Nashir has spoken about the role of the mass media in conveying information. He said all state institutions will always need information and criticism from the mass media.

“I am also convinced that the executive, legislative, judiciary, auxiliary bodies, the TNI, Polri, and other institutions in this republic, even in the international world, always need information, input and criticism from the mass media. Why? Because the life of a nation and a state also depends on criticism, on input, on diverse information,” Haedar told journalists after attending the 2026 Muhammadiyah Press and Literacy Day commemoration at the University of Muhammadiyah Jakarta (UMJ), South Tangerang, on Thursday (13/8/2026).

Haedar said the world of the press is a noble world. This is because, he said, journalists can present truthful information in a balanced manner (cover both sides).

“The world of journalists, the world of the press, is a noble world. Because we want to present various pieces of information that cover both sides, alternative narratives, information that can be accepted by the public, that is true, good, and gives direction to our shared life,” he said.

Haedar said the presence of information from the mass media can make a country more advanced. He asked elites to be more open to what the mass media conveys.

“There I am convinced that the nation will actually become more advanced. It just depends on the awareness of our elites to be willing to be open, to care, to share. That must continue to be our ecosystem in the world of the press,” he said.

Haedar also reminded members of the press to continue to pay attention to ethics. According to him, this is in line with Indonesia’s values, which uphold noble ethics.

“Because we are a press that exists in our national world, and the Indonesian people themselves uphold noble ethics, so we also continue to apply the ethical aspect. But our spirit is the spirit of presenting truth, goodness, and things that are important for the interests of the nation and state,” he added.