INMF Clarifies Claims by Bakom, Denying Official Membership of Homeless Media
The Indonesia New Media Forum (INMF) committee has explained that the names of homeless media circulating in public after being mentioned by the Indonesian Government’s Communication Agency (Bakom) are part of the mapping of the industry and social media ecosystem. The committee stated that several of these media outlets are not official members of INMF.
This statement from the committee responds to the claim by Bakom Head Muhammad Qodari that the government is embracing homeless media, which he said are affiliated with INMF, to broaden the reach of communication. Qodari’s remarks on 6 May 2026 provoked rebuttals from several social media accounts he mentioned.
“Until now, INMF is still in the internal drafting stage and has not opened formal membership registration or built partnerships with any parties,” the committee said in a written statement on Thursday, 7 May 2026. One of INMF’s representatives has allowed Tempo to quote this statement.
INMF also affirmed that it has no commitments or agreements with the Government Bakom. Regarding the meeting with the Communication Agency, INMF said it was limited to a space for dialogue to exchange perspectives on the development of the digital media ecosystem. “We also do this among mass media ecosystems, academics, public figures, and communities,” INMF stated.
The New Media Forum stated that independence is the main asset for the new media community. Without public trust, the existence of new media has no meaning. “Therefore, INMF is committed to continuing to encourage a media ecosystem that prioritises public interests, upholds transparency, and maintains a healthy and responsible information space,” the INMF committee wrote.
Previously, the Indonesian Government’s Bakom claimed to be embracing homeless media affiliated with the Indonesia New Media Forum as partners in the digital media ecosystem. Bakom Head Muhammad Qodari said this was to help expand the government’s public communication reach, not just through conventional media.
It is known that homeless media are media entities based on social media without having a home in the form of their own website or application. This media content is usually managed independently and uploaded on social media such as Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.
In a press conference on Wednesday, 6 May 2026, Muhammad Qodari mentioned several homeless media that he claimed were affiliated with the New Media Forum. These media include Folkative, Indozone, Dagelan, Indomusikgram, Infipop, Narasi, Muslimvlog, Ussfeeds, menjadimanusia, GNFI, Creativox, Kok Bisa, Taubaters, Bapak2ID, and Pandemic Talks.
Furthermore, there are also Kawan Hawa, Folix, Ngomongin Uang, Big Alpha, Good States, Hai Dulu, Proud Project, Vibes, UNFRMD, Kumpul Leaders, CXO Media, Volix Media, How To Do Nothing, Everless Media, Geometry Media, Folks Diary, Dream, Melodi Alam, NKTSHI, Modestalk, Lead Media, Nalar TV, Mahasiswa dan Jakarta, and Mature Indonesia.
After that claim emerged, several names mentioned by Qodari affirmed that they had never communicated with the government Bakom. Meanwhile, Narasi media affirmed that it is not joining the Indonesia New Media Forum. This rebuttal was conveyed by Narasi through a statement of position uploaded on the Instagram account @narasinewsroom on Thursday, 7 May 2026.
That statement of position also emphasised that Narasi is an official media registered and verified by the Press Council. “Narasi is unaware, uninvolved, and did not attend any meetings or press conferences related to INMF or the Government Communication Agency on 6 May 2026,” the statement read. Narasi Founder Najwa Shihab has allowed Tempo to quote that information.
In addition, the new media Bapak2ID also stated that it is not affiliated with INMF. “In fact, we know nothing and are not involved at all in that organisation and that meeting,” Bapak2ID said in its statement. “We are independent and not associated with any organisation.”