Press Council Chief: Media Must Strengthen Data-Based Social Criticism
Surabaya — Komaruddin Hidayat, Chairman of the Press Council, has asserted that the media must strengthen its public education function and data-based social criticism amid the current transformation of the digital media landscape.
Hidayat conveyed this message whilst delivering remarks at a Journalist Competency Test (UKW) Examiner Refresher programme held online by the UKW Testing Institute of Muhammadiyah University of Jakarta (UMJ), Solopos Institute, Prof. Dr. Moestopo University (Beragama), and the National Development University Veteran Yogyakarta. The event took place on Tuesday.
Komaruddin stated that the press has historically held a strategic role as a vehicle for public education and a conveyance of constructive social criticism for national life.
“To me, the press is a vehicle for two important functions: education and social criticism,” he said.
According to him, the entertainment function that once formed part of media output is now largely taken over by television and other digital platforms. Consequently, the press must reaffirm its role as guardian of democratic values and the ideals of national independence.
He observed that the aspiration for popular sovereignty within the republican system remains an ongoing challenge that must be continuously championed by various segments of society, including the press and intellectual circles.
Komaruddin also emphasised the importance of collaboration between the news industry and higher education institutions in producing social criticism grounded in research and data.
“These days, assumptions are no longer sufficient. Social criticism must be conveyed with strong data,” he stated.
According to him, cooperation with research institutions, survey organisations, and digital creator communities can strengthen media agenda-setting in raising strategic national issues objectively and academically.
He hopes that the press will not merely convey complaints or opinions, but also present fact-based analysis that can enrich public discourse and help the public understand various national challenges.
The UKW examiner refresher programme was attended by examiners from various journalist competency testing institutions as an effort to maintain quality standards of competence and professionalism among journalists in Indonesia.