The function of the Indonesian press in democracy

The function of the Indonesian press in democracy

Basri Amin, Researcher, Serat Foundation, Manado, North Sulawesi

Press organizations and journalists today find themselves in a
challenging situation as they have become subject to violent
attacks and legal action from individuals, officials and business
corporations. This, in part, reflects that Indonesians are
experiencing serious problems in rebuilding democracy. The
tendency to use violence and the power of the court to pressure
the press are a bad sign for the future, revealing powerlessness
in a supposedly democratic system.

The basic function of the press in a democracy is as a social
medium, to provide and to build on the flow of information --
including from the public to the government, at national and
local levels -- and to establish a relationship between all
elements of society. So given today's prolific and vocal press,
we should have optimism regarding democracy in this country.

Since 2000, Indonesia has enjoyed some 283 newspapers and
magazines -- with a total circulation per edition of about 13.5
million copies, of which the 165 daily and weekly newspapers made
up about 8.5 million copies. Earlier there were 160 daily and
weekly newspapers published across the country, with total sales
exceeding 10.5 million copies. If people read newspapers, with an
estimated 210 million people in 2001, Indonesia should be the
greatest newspaper reading (and richest advertising) market in
the Southeast Asian region, as press observers have noted.

In general, people accept the notion that the conduct of
democratic (or undemocratic) politics nationally and
internationally depends more and more on the media. But in the
Indonesian case, for some 30 years the media (press) has been
"pressured" by political and economic powers.

Under the New Order the press appeared to be under the command
of the government, controlled through layers of formal and
informal censorship and through ownership by "corporate elites,"
who were related somehow or another to the government.

The position of the press in Indonesia is a primary entry
point to understanding the essence of democratization at a
practical level. There is no democracy without press, and a good
press is the main capital for democracy. A democratic system is
expected to achieve the prosperity, liberty and equality of the
people. The press is the "bridge" to those achievements.

Douglas Kellner, in The Media and Democracy (2000) mentions
that the dual democratic functions of the press are to provide a
check against excessive power and to inform the people concerning
major issues of public interest in order to allow informed
participation in public life.

The constitutional right of "the freedom of the press" is
necessary to ensure that the press is free from domination by any
economic or political force. It may criticize the government and
powerful institutions and promote vigorous debate on issues of
common concern, thus providing citizens with the necessary
information and ideas to participate intelligently in public
affairs.

In Indonesia the "free" press is still in a critical
condition. The big question is how to implement the ideal type of
press in democratization, decentralization and in the creating of
a multicultural society, especially for a "transitional country"
like Indonesia today. Indonesian society today is fragmented and
the energy of critical movements by civil society groups is
concentrated on political and governmental issues.

Collective activity, to reinforce public control through the
media -- especially at provincial and district levels -- is
rising. Yet, it is the non governmental organizations and
independent experts who lead this effort -- through forums and
activities to address issues like corruption, transparency,
public elections, policies, and public participation.

Unfortunately, crucial issues like poverty, security, public
education, and health care are often not a priority for the local
media. Their agenda is concerned with more "elite" issues.
Government officials or political affairs are the bulk of the
mainstream news. In the future, the press and "critical groups"
need to develop their vision, relationships and agendas to
reinforce democratization. They also need to develop ideas for
fund raising through innovative programs -- involving concerned
individuals or institutions -- as an alternative to funding from
foreign sources.

Imagine the kind of media that a democratic society should
entail: One that presents the public with diverse opinions and
entertainment options; a media held responsible for providing us
with the information we need to function as informed citizens.
And a media where ideas flow in both directions and where
ordinary people routinely have a chance to voice their concerns.

Easier said than done. A transitional period always poses
difficult questions in how to draw the line between past
supporters of the dictatorial status quo and the new campaigners
for democracy. As one journalist described, the press here is
"dancing in the dark."

The press community must become more independent and
professional. It must maximize its responsibility and integrity
as a strategic medium toward the achievement of liberty, equality
and prosperity.

The writer is a Ford Foundation International Fellow at the
East West Center in Honolulu, U.S.