A resilient press on Indonesia's long road to 2045

Serang, Banten (ANTARA) - National Press Day (HPN), marked every February 9 in Indonesia, sends a wave of reflection through editorial rooms across the country, reminding them of the historic roots from which they were born.

From humble wooden desks during the independence struggle to today’s ever-evolving digital space of screens and algorithms, the Indonesian press has stood the test of time.More than a routine ceremonial gathering, the 2026 HPN commemoration in Serang, Banten, became a stage for journalists to embark on two pivotal journeys: looking back to reflect on their historical significance and moving forward toward Indonesia’s envisioned golden centennial in 2045.

Under this year’s celebration theme, “A Healthy Press, Economic Sovereignty, and a Strong Nation,” the national media community pressed ahead beyond rhetoric. The theme reflects journalists’ recognition that Indonesia’s democracy and economy depend on quality journalism more than ever.

The press has proven to be the bedrock upon which democracy and development rest, a truth Akhmad Munir, chairman of the Indonesian Journalists Association (PWI), reminded the audience of in his opening speech.

As President Prabowo Subianto urged that national wealth and resources be fully harnessed to push economic growth beyond 8 percent, the press finds its role becoming ever more strategic.

Freedom alone, however, is not enough to shape a healthy press. Equally vital are the sustainability and integrity of media outlets. The 2026 National Press Day serves as a reminder of how crucial it is to foster an ecosystem in which journalism can thrive — an ecosystem that underpins the nation’s journey toward progress.

A supportive ecosystem

The past decade reshaped Indonesia’s media landscape. The Press Council reported verifying hundreds of media companies, even as many outlets were forced to wave the white flag under mounting business pressures and shifting patterns of public information consumption.

Digital news reports from the Reuters Institute over the years have underscored how massive disinformation on online platforms erodes public confidence in the media — a global phenomenon from which Indonesia is not spared.

The Association of Indonesian Internet Providers confirmed that, out of Indonesia’s roughly 280 million people, more than 70 percent are internet users.

That staggering figure means a vast share of the population now wields near-unlimited access to information — though the validity of that information is often discounted on social media platforms, an algorithm-driven realm where speed and visibility are prized over accuracy and verification.

It is within this context that the notion of a healthy press takes on even greater urgency — demanding journalistic professionalism, adherence to ethical codes, and adaptive business models.

Without a solid economic foundation, news outlets risk drifting into sensationalism for short-term profit, a path that runs counter to the press’s ethical responsibility as a pillar of democracy, distinct from the random purveyors of information scattered across the internet.

Integral to these challenges is artificial intelligence (AI) — a cutting-edge technology that can accelerate content creation but remains vulnerable to misuse in generating false narratives when digital literacy is lacking.

With AI-generated fakes steadily creeping into the media industry, mainstream outlets now face a real test as curators of truth. Journalists are required not only to write quickly but also to master digital verification, cybersecurity, and the ethical dimensions of technology use.

The 2026 National Press Day underscores that the transformation of the press cannot wait. Continuous education and certification for reporters have become urgent, and collaboration among outlets, universities, and research institutions is worth pursuing to promote data-driven reporting while keeping pace with technological advances.

Economic sovereignty

The upbeat theme of this year’s National Press Day reminds the nation that the economy is, to some extent, anchored in the quality of the press. For Indonesia to excel economically, it requires policy transparency, budget accountability, and effective public oversight — all of which rest on reliable information.

Statistics Indonesia reported that the country’s population is dominated by citizens of productive age, signaling a demographic bonus projected to last until the 2040s.

This critical period could open a pathway for the nation to leap forward, yet without precise policies and strong oversight, the prospects risk turning into social burdens instead. In this regard, the press carries the responsibility of ensuring public policies remain oriented toward human resource development, job creation, and equitable growth.

The same holds true at the regional level, where local media outlets provide citizens with a window into how central policies and programs are implemented on the ground. In-depth reporting by local media has shed light on public service issues, particularly in the education and health sectors.

Still, many outlets remain built on fragile financial foundations, with some risking their independence by relying on content paid for by government or business entities. This trend underscores the urgency of business innovation.

In this vein, the state can play a role through fair regulation, protection of journalistic work, and transparent, proportional advertising budgets.

Equally vital for economic sovereignty is a sound level of public literacy, for the press functions best in a society capable of critically assessing information. In such a community, hoaxes and propaganda are diminished.

Public reasoning

The history of the Indonesian press is inseparable from the nation’s valor. From the colonial era to the Reform period, the media has endured as an instrument for articulating the people’s aspirations.

It is little wonder, then, that President Prabowo hailed the press’s pivotal role in safeguarding democracy and nurturing the nation’s capacity for reason — a message conveyed by Coordinating Minister for Community Empowerment Muhaimin Iskandar during the HPN celebration in Serang.

As noted earlier, the press now faces fresh challenges born of social polarization and crowded, often confusing information spaces. The 2026 National Press Day calls on Indonesian journalists to reflect on their constitutional duty: to scrutinize state institutions objectively while meeting the public’s need for information on people-oriented policies and programs.

Baca juga: Kemenimipas menjelaskan perbedaan GCI dan Golden Visa Indonesia

With contemporary challenges and prospects in mind, several strategies merit consideration. These include fostering inter-media collaboration to strengthen verification mechanisms, pressing for algorithmic transparency from digital platforms, and promoting investigative and data-driven journalism training to oversee national strategic projects.

Just as vital are tangible efforts to safeguard the mental health and welfare of journalists, who face mounting pressures in the digital era. A lack of support risks undermining content quality, and ultimately, a healthy press rests on reporters who are protected and respected.

Baca juga: Free meals program foundation for Golden Indonesia vision: BGN

As the nation aspires to usher in a golden age by its centenary in 2045, the press shoulders the responsibility of keeping reliable information flowing amid the increasingly loud buzz of social media — championing common sense in the face of polarization and sounding the alarm whenever leaders risk betraying the public interest.