Qodari Highlights Disparities in Rules for Information Dissemination Between Mass Media and Social Media

Head of the Government Communication Agency (Bakom) M Qodari has highlighted the differences in regulations between social media and mass media regarding the dissemination of information. Qodari assesses that in the current era, social media already plays a role similar to mass media in conveying information to the public. “There is an interesting phenomenon where social media behaves like the press or media, disseminating news and information. Meanwhile, the rules applicable to such social media are so disproportionate and unbalanced compared to those for mass media,” Qodari said during Inside Story with Diana Valencia on Tuesday night (28/4). Qodari explained that mass media is regulated by many aspects, for example, reported by journalists. Then, the journalists also adhere to the code of journalistic ethics and other binding rules. On the other hand, social media is assessed as taking a similar role but not bound by such regulations. “Meanwhile, they also, for example, receive advertisements, and over time, advertisements in mass media run out because of media like this. This is not a level playing field,” he said. After being inaugurated as Head of Bakom on Monday (27/4), Qodari also touched on the condition of mass media which has changed from 10 to 20 years ago. He stated that this becomes a particular challenge going forward. Qodari was appointed as Head of Bakom replacing Angga Raka Prabowo. This position as Head of Bakom becomes the third role held by Qodari under President Prabowo’s leadership since 20 October 2024. Previously, Qodari served as Head of the Presidential Staff Office (KSP) and Deputy Head of KSP. Under his leadership, Qodari stated that Bakom will be more aggressive in communicating government policies in the future. He said that this step is important considering the many new government programmes, thus requiring a new paradigm as well. Even, Qodari mentioned that several observers consider the government ready for ‘war’ along with his appointment and Hasan Nasbi who is also trusted as a special presidential advisor. “They say [observers] these two are attacking types. Wow, this is inviting trouble. Well, I immediately commented like this, do you want them to keep attacking without anyone responding? That’s it. Nice and easy, sorry,” Qodari said at the handover ceremony with Angga Raka Prabowo at the Presidential Palace Complex in Jakarta on Tuesday (28/4).