Menkomdigi Expressed Its Hopes On The Commemoration Of National Press Day

RIAU - Minister of Communication and Digital Affairs, Meutya Hafid delivered her speech on National Press Day in Pekanbaru City, Riau Province, Sunday 9 February. He hopes that the press will remain the guardian of democracy in the Republic of Indonesia.

Meutya said that National Press Day is a moment to celebrate the courage, integrity, and fighting spirit of Indonesian press personnel. The press is not only a witness to history, but also a driver of change.

"In the midst of the turmoil of the times, the press must remain the guardian of democracy. Happy National Press Day 2025 to all members of the press in Indonesia," he said, quoting ANTARA, February 9.

The 2025 HPN peak in Riau took place with the presence of various important figures from the world of press, government, and society. This event was attended by the National Police Chief represented by the Head of the Public Relations Division of the National Police Headquarters Inspector General Pol Sandi Nugroho, Riau Regional Police Chief Inspector General Mohammad Iqbal, foreign guests, national press figures, and press council constituents.

National press figures as well as Central and regional PWI administrators were also present, such as Chairman of the Honorary Council Sasongko Tedjo, Chairman of the Advisory Board of PWI Ilham Bintang, Tribuana Said,Timbo Siahaan, Chairman of PWI Riau Raja Isyam Aswar and Chairmans of Regional PWI.

Chairman of the Central PWI Zulmansyah Sekedang said that the current press conditions in Indonesia are not doing well, nor are PWIs facing big challenges.

"This year, the celebration of HPN is celebrated with concern. Unlike previous years, this year the celebration of HPN was not only held in Riau, but also in the cities of Banjarmasin, South Kalimantan, and Solo, Central Java. This reality is bitter due to differences in principles in enforcement of integrity, which makes PWI not doing well," said Zulmansyah.

Zulmansyah also apologized to all press personnel who were disturbed by the divisions within PWI. "Since PWI was born on February 9, 1946 with heroic events, ironically this time it is celebrated in a different atmosphere of principle," he said.