National Press Day, Convergence and National Economic Recovery

One year ago, one of the leading themes of National Press Day was coexistence. It’s a term that tries to put journalistic practices into place, between online-based press and those that are not. It is also a reflection of seeing online journalists as partners and not as second-class journalists.

Basically, this proliferation in journalism must be acknowledged as it has become a full force for the press as a whole. Moreover, offline media has converged (with online platforms).

Also read: Safeguard the National Media Ecosystem

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When we celebrated National Press Day (HPN) last year, the Covid-19 pandemic had not ravaged the world. As a result of this pandemic, our economy has collapsed.

Although Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati some time ago stated that the third quarter of 2020 had shown a turning point in which economic growth had improved, from minus 5.32 percent to minus 3.49 percent, this figure was still far from the achievement of economic growth of 5.02 percent in 2019.

Generating optimism

On this important National Press Day, the role of the press is certain.

So, the theme of National Press Day should no longer focus on coexistence but it is time for us to join hands. We must synergize the strength of all elements of the nation to rise. The national press, with its responsibility and accountability, should take part and be obliged to keep guarding it.

On this important National Press Day, the role of the press is certain. Apart from being questioned in a reflective way, it is also hoped that it makes contributions, especially in overcoming the spread of Covid-19 and in encouraging changes in people’s behavior and way of living.

Kompas

The Alliance of Independent Journalists (AJI) Indonesia held a National Conference with the theme "Finding a Model of Indonesian Journalism" in Jakarta, Tuesday (6/8/2019).

We sincerely hope what is reported in the press becomes a primary reference and at the same time the writings being published can drive optimism and national awakening. We also hope that the national press will continue to schedule its reporting on five strategic policies, namely maintaining unity, preventing transmission (of Covid-19), making national vaccinations successful, fostering optimism and promoting economic recovery.

National Press Day commemorations this years were centered in Jakarta. Of course, this choice is not without reason. From the Jakarta provincial administration\'s Covid-19 Monitoring Data, the mortality rate, which was reported in the first two weeks of January, has reached 247 people. For us, nationally and for residents of Jakarta, the death toll is worrying. Therefore, we need not be surprised (shocked) at the imposition of large-scale social restrictions (PSBB) for the Java and Bali regions, especially for Jakarta. We must remain optimistic and strong.

Also read : Protecting Press Freedom

Jakarta has an extraordinary magnitude. It is the capital city of the country. Administratively, bureaucratically, economically, politically and in government, Jakarta is the epicenter. Therefore, the pandemic problem must be resolved in Jakarta first. Once the problem is well resolved in Jakarta, the wheels of government, the rate of economic growth and development plans will run well.

The schemes to stop (Covid-19) transmission must be carried out in stages, simultaneously and comprehensively covering the population of Jakarta as well as controlling the mobility of the population from the buffering and satellite areas. The combination of policies, PSBB and mass vaccinations, as well as changes in people’s behavior after that, is believed to be able to stop the transmission and eradication of Covid-19 in Jakarta.

Problem-solving press

Jakarta has always been a priority for the national press. However, with the momentum of the National Press Day, it is necessary to review the focus of the press when reporting about Jakarta. So far, the national press has a habit of focusing on politics and conflicts. This kind of focus should be changed. The press should become a problem solver and give solution to Jakarta to get out of its problems.

This time, the press with its National Press Day in Jakarta, is expected to pay attention to ways to encourage the Jakarta residents to voluntarily receive vaccinations, give priority to economic recovery, build social cohesiveness, strengthen the presence of mutual trust and encourage changes in people’s behavior.

The strength of the press lies in its ability to do mainstreaming, resonance and framing. As long as this is done continuously and consistently, in turn the press will make the most significant contribution in the midst of this pandemic and crisis situation.

The most significant contribution of the national press is in changing the (people’s) perspective on the pandemic and the awareness to take independent actions in dealing with pandemics. It is also through the role of the national press that a change in people’s sense of greater responsibility for the nation happens and humanity grows and becomes a part of every citizen.

The most significant contribution of the national press is in changing the (people’s) perspective on the pandemic and the awareness to take independent actions in dealing with pandemics.

Also read: Protect Freedom of the Press

We are well aware that the age of our national press is no longer juvenile. It must be admitted that its work for the nation and state cannot be denied and doubted. Too many to mention and remember. Therefore, there is no need to teach them how to have integrity, how to work and to pick their main interests.

There is dedication, norms and a code of ethics that guides them in their work. Everything is hope and fondness to participate in giving appreciation for our national press journey, which is celebrated on 9 February 2021. It was this moment in Jakarta that raised enormous hopes that the strength of the press, its resonance, mainstreaming and framing, would help drive the crisis resolution.

KOMPAS/SONYA HELLEN SINOMBOR

Widodo Muktiyo

Why? It is because Jakarta is the epicenter of Indonesia and is the embodiment of the symbolization of Indonesia in the eyes of the world. As the epicenter of the nation\'s economy, we hope Jakarta remains under control and the nation\'s economic recovery amid the Covid-19 pandemic will come from this city that we are all proud of.

Finally, let me wish you a Happy National Press Day. We wish you success and glory always.

Widodo Muktiyo, Director General of IKP, Ministry of Communications and Information RI; Professor of Communication Studies at UNS.

This article was translated by Kurniawan H. Siswoko.