Narasi Rejects Qodari's Claims Regarding Bakom RI's Engagement with Homeless Media
Narasi has affirmed that it is not joining the Indonesia New Media Forum (INMF). This denial was conveyed by Narasi through a statement posted on its Instagram account @narasinewsroom on Thursday, 7 May 2026.
The statement also emphasised that Narasi is an official media outlet registered and verified by the Press Council, thus not categorised as homeless media. “Narasi is unaware of, not involved in, 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’s founder, Najwa Shihab, has permitted Tempo to quote the statement.
Narasi stated that its media is registered with the Press Council under certificate number 472/DP-Verifikasi/K/XI/2019. “Narasi operates in accordance with the journalistic code of ethics as stated on the official Press Council website,” Narasi wrote.
Previously, the Indonesian Government Communication Agency invited homeless media grouped under the Indonesia New Media Forum to help expand the reach of government public communication. Bakom’s Head, Muhammad Qodari, during a press conference on Wednesday, 6 May 2026, said the forum is an association of homeless media or independently managed news outlets.
Homeless media refers to media entities based on social media without a home in the form of their own website or application. Their content is typically managed independently and uploaded on social media platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.
During that press conference, the Indonesian Government Communication Agency released a list of several homeless media claimed to be part of the New Media Forum. According to Qodari, the media included Folkative, Indozone, Dagelan, Indomusikgram, Infipop, Narasi, Muslimvlog, Ussfeeds, menjadimanusia, GNFI, Creativox, Kok Bisa, Taubaters, Bapak2ID, and Pandemic Talks.
Additionally, there were 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 North West.
INMF representative, Timothy Marbun, stated that there was indeed a meeting between several INMF members and Qodari for an introduction on Tuesday, 5 May 2026. “There was no commitment whatsoever,” Timothy said.
According to Timothy, the partnership context was limited to opening communication channels for homeless media to conduct balanced coverage. The Communication Agency, he said, is open to answering confirmations regarding government performance. “The spirit is precisely to ensure that the information disseminated is complete from all sides,” Timothy remarked.
Timothy explained that INMF was formed collectively and independently in mid-2025. The forum was created as a space for gathering, growing, and learning for new media. Therefore, he said, INMF is managed without hierarchy. He noted that the media joined in INMF have their own editorial focus and independence.
Not only Narasi, but Bapak2ID also stated that it is not part of INMF. “In fact, we know nothing and are not involved at all in that organisation and meeting,” Bapak2ID said in its statement. “We are independent and not associated with any organisation.”