The Press Industry Could Be Affected by the Indonesia-US Agreement, Here's Why

Jakarta, VIVA – The trade agreement between Indonesia and the United States, signed by President Prabowo and President Donald Trump in Washington, D.C., United States, on Thursday, February 19, 2026, has drawn attention from the national press industry.

Several parties believe that there are provisions in the agreement that could weaken the media ecosystem and the sustainability of quality journalism in Indonesia.

This concern was raised by the Committee for Corporate Responsibility of Digital Platforms to Support Quality Journalism (KTP2JB). The committee protested against the provisions that are considered to weaken the press, especially those contained in Appendix III, page 39, Article 3.3, regarding Requirements for Digital Service Providers.

“Indonesia should refrain from requiring digital service providers from the United States (platform services) to support domestic news organizations through paid licenses, data sharing, and profit-sharing models,” the document stated, as quoted from a press release on Wednesday, February 25, 2026.

Chairman of KTP2JB, Suprapto, believes that these provisions could have a direct impact on the implementation of the Presidential Regulation on publisher rights, which was previously designed to strengthen the position of press companies in the face of global digital platforms.

“If this agreement is implemented, it could make digital platforms from the United States inaccessible to the Presidential Regulation on Publisher Rights. Because even with the obligations in the Presidential Regulation, they are not very compliant. Let alone if it is voluntary,” said Chairman of KTP2JB, Suprapto.

According to Suprapto, the change from mandatory requirements to a more lenient approach could hinder efforts to build the sustainability of the press industry, which is being jointly pursued by various stakeholders. He also emphasized the broader impact on the public.

“This is not only for the benefit of the press, but also for the benefit of the public, who have the right to receive quality information,” added Suprapto.

KTP2JB member Sasmito stated that the committee will soon send a letter to President Prabowo Subianto and the Indonesian Parliament to request that the provisions on digital platforms be removed from the Indonesia-US agreement. This stance has also received support from the press community in a discussion held at the Press Council Hall, Kebon Sirih, Central Jakarta, last Tuesday.