Press Council Records 145 Journalist Competency Tests Held Throughout 2025

The Press Council recorded that 145 Journalist Competency Tests (UKW) were held throughout 2025 as a measure to enhance professionalism and strengthen journalists’ adherence to the Journalistic Code of Ethics (KEJ).

Maha Eka Swasta, Chair of the Press Council’s Information and Communication Commission, stated that this achievement comprised seven UKW sessions organised by the Press Council itself and 138 by independent testing bodies.

“UKW is crucial because from January to November 2025, the Press Council received 1,166 complaints regarding news reports. This is the highest number of complaints in the Press Council’s history,” Eka said during a press conference in Jakarta on Monday, monitored online.

He revealed that the largest source of complaints stemmed from online media reporting, totalling 798 cases. The main issues involved balance in reporting, accuracy, verification, clickbait headlines, defamation, unauthorised use of photographs, and hate speech.

During the same period, the Press Council resolved 925 complaint cases through mechanisms including correspondence, minutes, Statements of Assessment and Recommendation (PPR), and archiving.

“The key message for the media, particularly online media, is to be more disciplined regarding accuracy, verification, and balance, and not to sacrifice ethics for the sake of speed,” he stated.

Regarding the implementation of the UKW, Eka said the number of Press Council-certified journalists currently stands at 14,647, covering the junior, middle, and senior levels.

Despite experiencing budget efficiency measures, the Press Council remains committed to conducting UKW this year with a target of 750 participants. As of May, the Press Council has facilitated UKW for 42 participants.

“The Press Council is currently seeking budget allocations for this year’s UKW implementation, hopefully in line with our target,” Eka disclosed.