The Press Is Considered To Play A Role In Maintaining The Peaceful Election And Leadership Transition

Press Illustration (Photo: Unsplash)

JAKARTA - The press is considered to have an important role in maintaining the 2024 General Election (Pemilu) so that it is peaceful. Also, the press can oversee the transition of national leadership.

The Director General of Information and Public Communication of the Ministry of Communication and Informatics Usman Kansong emphasized that the press has a responsibility to oversee elections so that they are peaceful and produce a transition of leadership that has legitimacy.

"Pers must be able to play a role in guarding the election so that it is peaceful. Elections can lead to a transition of leadership. If the election is peaceful, it means that the nation is intact, in accordance with the theme of National Press Day," he quoted Antara as saying.

He conveyed the importance of a press role that remains independent and critical. In the context of the election, the Press must also play a role in inviting the public to participate during voting and fighting money politics.

"I think it is important to invite the public to participate in the election, invite the public to vote on February 14. Then invite the public to participate voluntarily, not because of money politics," he said.

In an effort to maintain the quality of democracy and ensure that elections take place peacefully and safely, Usman invites the press to become a clearing house or a house of clarity from hoax news that is rife ahead of the election.

By critically and independently strengthening the role of the press, it is hoped that the 2024 election can produce a peaceful, legitimate, and accepted leadership transition by the community.

Usman assessed that in maintaining the dignity of democracy, collaboration between the press, government, and society is needed.

"I think that's the important thing about how the press can realize a peaceful, legitimate election, which can better oversee our leadership transition," he concluded.

National Press Day is celebrated on February 9 every year in commemoration of the anniversary of the Indonesian Journalists Association (PWI).