Becoming Friends in the Era of Disinformation

KOMPAS/ALOYSIUS BUDI KURNIAWAN

Kompas Daily Leader Jakob Oetama when he received the Mahaputera Utama award from the Government of the Republic of Indonesia in 1973 became the cover of Wijayanto\'s dissertation book entitled "Between Fear and Power: Kompas, Indonesia\'s Most Influential Daily Newspaper 1965-2015"

Birthdays are always commemorated. A life begins, from nothing to being. Self-reflection also finds its momentum. Reflecting on how far a journey has come, being consistent in maintaining direction, making corrections in case of deviation from the intended direction, or having to turn around if you find yourself going the wrong way.

Kompas Daily on 28 June 2021 also has a birthday. It started with the ringing of a telephone call from Lt. Gen. Ahmad Yani, who was then Commander-in-Chief Minister of the Army, to Frans Seda, the Minister of Plantations in the Dwikora I Cabinet who was also the chairman of the Catholic Party. Yani proposed to Seda the idea of creating a newspaper to balance the information that was already heavily politicized at that time.

Bentara Rakyat Foundation was formed. The board consisted of IJ Kasimo (Chairman), Drs Frans Seda (Vice Chairman), FC Palaunsuka (Writer I), Drs Jakob Oetama (Writer II), and PK Ojong (Treasurer). Initially, this daily would be named Bentara Rakyat. However, when Frans Seda met Bung Karno and reported the name of the daily that would be published, Bung Karno suggested another name.

"While smiling, he looked at me. I\'ll give it a better name…. Kompas! You know, what is Kompas? The provider of directions and paths in navigating the ocean or the jungle!”

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> Until the Last Drop of Ink

After discussing it with the editorial staff and the foundation, the name of Bentara Rakyat that had been prepared was changed. After that the character of the daily was determined, namely having to be independent, trying to dig up news on its own because many news sources at that time had been diverpolitisir (politicized), actively balancing the influence of the communists and their friends, by sticking to the truth, accuracy according to profession and moral of the reporting [Helen Ishwara , PK Ojong, Hidup Sederhana Berfikir Mulia (Plain Living, High Thinking)].

ARSIP KOMPAS

The founder of the daily Kompas, (from left) Jakob Oetama the founder, PK Ojong the founder, and J Adisubrata, the editor-in-chief of Intisari Magazine, Irawati while still on Jalan Pintu Besar Selatan 86-88 Jakarta Kota, before 1969.

Managed by Jakob Oetama and PK Ojong, Kompas, which started with a small capital of Rp 100,000 and worked in a narrow space, staying at Intisari\'s office, continued to publish information to its readers.

The wheel of the printing machine has continued to spin every day through many eras. David T Hill, Professor of Southeast Asian Studies at Murdoch University, called Kompas a newspaper of three ages. Founded in 1965 under era of President Soekarno, it became a leading newspaper during the New Order era, surviving as the most prestigious newspaper during the Reform era.

Era of disinformation

Now, Kompas daily has entered an era of information technology revolution. An era that allows anyone to produce information, publish it, and disseminate it massively on digital platforms. There is a flood of information. Some call it the information overload, infobesity era, and even the information explosion era.

With such an abundance of information, the truth, false news, and fake news are mixed up. The information era has turned into an era of disinformation.

The development of an increasingly globalized society adds to the complexity. Former Education Minister Daoed Joesoef said that to respond to this infinitely complex situation, a macroscope is needed. The way we see, comprehend, and act must be carried out in a new way which is a combination of methods and technicalities that come from various disciplines.

The Covid-19 pandemic which destroys the entire order very quickly and massively makes the situation even more complex.

Kompas, which was born with a big vision, namely to give directions and paths in navigating the "oceans" and "jungles", faces no light challenges. We also realize that we must continue to improve and transform in order to provide information that answers these needs.

We will continue to strive to develop solutions journalism by combining depth journalism, data journalism, and meaning journalism.

Improving the quality of journalism to guide the public in obtaining important and inspiring information in the era of the information technology revolution and post truth continues to be our determination. We will continue to strive to develop solutions journalism by combining depth journalism, data journalism, and meaning journalism.

The motto of “Amanat Hati Nurani Rakyat” (The Mandate of the People\'s Conscience) is also a reminder to always fight for human values and the realization of social justice. Prof. Dr. Ignatius Cardinal Suharyo Hardjoatmodjo Pr during the celebration of the 50th anniversary of Kompas reminded that transcendental humanism is carried out in real terms by respecting life, upholding human dignity, fighting for public welfare, expanding the spirit of solidarity, and paying more attention to others who are less fortunate.

ARSIP KOMPAS

The Kompas editorial team when they were still based on Jalan Pintu Besar Selatan, Jakarta. PK Ojong (fourth row from bottom, rightmost with glasses), Jakob Oetama (fifth row from bottom, second from left), Leo Hadi (bottom right, glasses), August Parengkuan (third row from bottom, third from left), J Adisubrata (third row from bottom, far right). Threes Nio, political journalist (wearing a headband, second row from top). Edward Linggar (second row from bottom, far right). Alfons Taryadi (in front of Mr. Jakob, wearing glasses).

Prof. Dr. Buya Ahmad Syafii Maarif also advised Kompas to stay on the path of democratic socialism to together with like-minded forces strive tirelessly for the realization of social justice for all Indonesian people.

The theme for Kompas\' 56th Anniversary continues last year\'s theme, namely “Friends in Changes”. We realize that without the trust and support of our partners and readers, we cannot do much. Therefore, with all due respect, allow us to express our gratitude.

This long journey is truly a gift and becomes a provision to explore the next alleys of time. We ask for your blessing to continue on the journey.