Jakarta (ANTARA) – Communication and Digital Affairs Minister Meutya Hafid stressed that the government imposes no restrictions on media coverage of public demonstrations across Indonesia, reaffirming its commitment to press freedom.
She said in Jakarta on Monday that her ministry does not bar the media from reporting protests as long as coverage follows journalistic principles and the 1999 Press Law.
Hafid made the statement to rebut claims that the government had constrained media coverage of demonstrations staged by students, labor unions, and residents in recent months.
The minister added that her office is encouraging the press to help the government shield the public from online hoaxes by swiftly and responsibly disseminating factual information.
“In fact, our ministry wants colleagues from the media to report the truth quickly so disinformation has no room to spread,” she affirmed.
She noted that such an approach is becoming increasingly important as Indonesia prepares to celebrate its 81st Independence Day this month, helping counter narratives intended to stir fear and anxiety among the public.
Her remarks seconded a statement from the Indonesian Broadcasting Commission (KPI) following student protests on June 12.
KPI Coordinator for Broadcast Content Supervision Tulus Santoso dismissed claims that the demonstrations had not been covered by television.
“Our observation showed that at least nine stations reported the events,” he said in a statement on June 15.
He also denied allegations that the government had colluded with the media to suppress coverage of the protests, stressing that neither KPI nor the Communication and Digital Affairs Ministry has the authority to interfere in editorial decisions.
“Media outlets have their own editorial boards and policies that are essentially independent,” Santoso affirmed.
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Translator: L. Kristianti, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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