Press Council Confident Journalism's Role Will Not Be Displaced by New Media

JAKARTA - The Chairman of the Press Council, Komaruddin Hidayat, is confident that the proliferation of new media disseminating information via social media will not displace the vital role of journalistic entities.

“The press’s role will not be displaced. Throughout history, it is needed because it guards the gate and maintains the quality of information,” said Komaruddin during the commemoration of World Press Freedom Day 2026 in Jakarta, as reported by ANTARA on Sunday (10/5/2026).

In Komaruddin’s view, information disruption must serve as a challenge and motivator for press practitioners to consistently safeguard the quality of information delivered to the public.

“I hope that press colleagues view the emergence of new media, which sometimes causes uproar, as merely an interlude and a shared challenge agenda. For me, it’s even exciting. If we’re playing tennis, for example, an unbalanced opponent makes the game unexciting; but with a challenge, the adrenaline surges,” he stated.

Komaruddin assessed that at such moments, the press’s role becomes crucial in ensuring the public receives quality information.

“Let us regulate and educate so that freedom is preserved, while also continuing to protect the public’s freedom to obtain quality information,” he said.

“For me, press freedom is a human right. The issue now, in the midst of such disrupted information era, is that the press needs to shape itself to become more professional,” said Benny at the Press Council Building in Jakarta on Sunday.

He stated that mainstream media still holds a competitive advantage because it is more recognised by the public and can reflect societal conditions.

According to Benny, the current challenge for media is not only to maintain the speed of information but also to fulfil its social responsibility to enlighten the nation’s life.

“Mainstream media, online media, and new media all share the commonality of striving to enlighten the nation’s life,” he remarked.

Benny emphasised that ANTARA plays an important role in delivering information that assists the public in making informed decisions, both for themselves and their communities.