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.