Minister Rudiantara Calls in Indonesian Press to Maintain National Intergrity

Jakarta, (Antara) - Communication and Informatics Minister Rudiantara has urged the Indonesian press to maintain the integrity of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia (NKRI) while fulfilling its duties.

The Indonesian government has lauded the journalistic profession, as it helps boost  development and the implementation of democracy, Minister Rudiantara stated here, Tuesday.

Law No. 40 of 1999 offers guarantee to Indonesian journalists to carry out their profession, without having a government regulation in place.

"This is evidence that the government fully supports the freedom of press in Indonesia. Please carry out your journalistic activities by upholding the principles of journalism with good character," he informed the press at a forum to commemorate World Press Freedom Day.

He expressed hope that press organizations and the Press Council would encourage journalists to love NKRI in a bid to maintain the public's trust.

Chairman of the Press Council Adi Prasetyo remarked that the press is fully accountable to the public.

The freedom of press in this country is adequately guaranteed, as compared to that in several other countries, he added.

The Press Council is optimistic that press organizations would prioritize improving their reporters' capabilities, so they would be able to deliver news in line with the public's expectations.

The United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), in cooperation with the Indonesian government, is organizing the UNESCO World Press Freedom Day International Conference in Jakarta on May 1-4.

The conference comprises several sessions themed "Safer working conditions and press freedom for journalists in South East Asia", "Re-shaping cultural policies for artistic freedom: Ministerial panel and artists' panel", and "Training and Tips for Journalists on Facebook," among others.

Other parallel sessions will hold discussions on "Journalists' Safety and Tackling Impunity: How can crimes against media workers be addressed?" and "Fostering inclusiveness and gender equality through media innovation: opportunities and challenges."(*)