JAMBI, KOMPAS.com - President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono on Friday spoke of the importance of the freedom of the press in Indonesia. "With a free press, the people will be able to get information as expected and their right to know can be met," said the President, who was here to attend the commemoration of National Press Day.
Also, with a free press democratic life can be guarded and guided, he added. Under such circumstances, the government and all state institutions can be monitored by the press and the people can also voice their aspirations through the press, he said.
The press also reports what the government has done to the people, he said. Yudhoyono said a free press also allows for transparent relations between the head of state and his or her people. He believed if all the elements can work, they will bring about extraordinary benefits to the people.
The head of state said he has appreciated the freedom of the press since 1999 when he was still active in the Indonesian military (TNI). "Until today, I remain consistent in the notion that it is very important for us to maintain the freedom of the press in Indonesia."
The President said he cannot deny that in several countries a free press has brought about many changes. After all, it would be far better to have a free press than nothing.
Commenting on latest developments in the press, he said the press community is becoming better at building communications with the public. Also, the press takes great moral responsibility in its work, he said.
What the press does has a far-reaching impact on the public and thus, the members of the press community, themselves, must always preserve the integrity of the nation.
"I am pleased to see the press continuing to maintain integrity and improve its capacity. I say congratulations to the press on its participating in the nation's development," he said.
