SERANG - On the peak of National Press Day 2026, Banten Governor Andra Soni emphasized that the press is a pillar of democracy as well as a strategic partner of the government. He emphasized that public trust can only be maintained if the press remains healthy and professional - not just crowded, let alone dragged by information flows that are increasingly difficult to control.
"The Banten Provincial Government hopes that National Press Day 2026 will be a momentum to strengthen national trust, collaboration, and optimism," said Andra at KP3B, Serang, Banten, Monday (9/2/2026).
Andra associated the quality of the press with economic resilience and the strength of the nation. "A healthy press will support a sovereign economy and a sovereign economy will strengthen the nation," he said. The provincial government, he said, sees the press as a development partner. He also mentioned the importance of an environment of freedom and openness of information, accompanied by the strengthening of public literacy and journalistic ethics in government communication.
Coordinating Minister for Social Empowerment Muhaimin Iskandar reminded the new pressure faced by the press. In the midst of information and algorithm flows, journalism, he said, is still a determinant of the direction of democracy. "The quality of media and the press determines the direction of democracy. Journalism is a motor for change and an opening for clarity of information for the public," he said.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Central PWI, Ahmad Munir, emphasized that the press is not just an information industry. "Criticism of the press to the government is a form of responsibility so that development remains on the right track," he said.
The event was attended by, among others, the Chairman of the MPR RI Ahmad Muzani, Minister of Communication and Information Meutya Hafid, Minister of Culture and Tourism Teuku Riefky Harsya, Head of the Regional Development Agency Yandri Susanto, Minister of Communication Fadli Zon, Deputy Minister of Communication Nezar Patria, and Deputy Minister of Communication Malaysia Teo Nie Ching. Also present were the Governor of Lampung Rahmat Mirzani Djausal, members of the Forkopimda, Deputy Governor Achmad Dimyati Natakusumah, Secretary General Deden Apriandhi, and heads of districts throughout Banten.
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