Bengkulu (Antara) - President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono praised the press at the National Press Day here on Sunday saying that it has helped make him remain strong and not tempted by power and not to be careless when making policies. "The press is often cynical and unfriendly to me. There is no day without criticism and condemnation, no day without rumors about me and my family. But behind them all there has also been a blessing. By being continuously criticized I have even been able to stay on and not to be tempted to misuse my power and carelessly issue policies," he said in his speech at the event. President Yudhoyono attended the National Press Day flanked by First Lady Ani Yudhoyono. The event was also attended by national press figures and cabinet members. President Yudhoyono said many leaders who were anti-criticism, silenced opposition and critical press had have only been thrown off their position by the people. He said that press freedom was a prerequisite for people's sovereignty and democracy but on the other hand it also requires full responsibility. President Yudhoyono on the occasion was given a title of "a friend of the press" presented by chairman of the Press Council, Bagir Manan. On the occasion Bagir Manan said that press freedom is indeed a prerequisite for people's sovereignty and democracy but he also warned about its side effect. In spite of its side effect he expressed appreciation to President Yudhoyono's efforts to support press freedom. "President Yudhoyono has helped grow, preserve and maintain press freedom," he said. The general chairman of the Indonesian Journalists Association (PWI), Margiono, on the occasion also expressed appreciation to President Yudhoyono's contribution to press development so far. "Because of your big attention to the press, care and good communication with us we have agreed to give you a title of 'friend of the press'," he said. (*)

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Editor : Tunggul Susilo


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