JAKARTA - On the occasion of the World Press Freedom Day on May 3, the Chairman of the Indonesian Cyber Media Association (SMSI) Firdaus appreciated the Ministry of Law and Human Rights which was considered to have facilitated the process of managing legal entities for press companies in Indonesia.
Firdaus made the statement in a written statement in Jakarta, Sunday, while also stressing that the establishment of a press company on various platforms is a fundamental right guaranteed by the 1945 Constitution and the principles recognized by the United Nations.
"We appreciate the Ministry of Law and Human Rights, which has always provided convenience for press companies to manage legal entities," said Firdaus in Jakarta on Sunday.
He said World Press Freedom Day, celebrated every May 3 since it was declared by the United Nations General Assembly in 1993. Firdaus also asked all levels of society and state apparatus to support press freedom, which is in line with supporting human rights.
"At the same time, we appreciate the Ministry of Law and Human Rights for having given legal legitimacy to media companies," he said.
He assessed that to accelerate freedom, there was no need for other legitimacy that would complicate the efforts of the press, such as the verification of the press company by the Press Council.
"It is a legal entity as explained in Law Number 40 of 1999 concerning the Press," he said.
According to Firdaus, to confirm press freedom has been emphasized in Article 28 of the 1945 Constitution which states that freedom of association and assembly, expressing thoughts orally and in writing and so on has been established by law.
"Freedom or independence of the press is further determined by Law (UU) Number 40 of 1999 concerning the Press," he said.
He added that in the consideration of the law on the press it was stated that press freedom was necessary to uphold justice and truth, promote the common good, and educate the life of the nation.
The independence of the press in the Press Law in Chapter II Article 2 states that press freedom is one of the forms of people's sovereignty based on the principles of democracy, justice, and the rule of law.
Then in the same chapter in article 4 paragraph 1 it is stated that press freedom is guaranteed as a basic human right of citizens.
In paragraph 2, it is stated that national newspapers are not subject to censorship, censorship or prohibition of broadcasting.
Then in verse 3 of the same article it is emphasized again to guarantee press freedom, the national press has the right to seek, obtain, and disseminate ideas and information".
"That is the freedom of the press that is strengthened by the law," he said.
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