Media to Prevent Potential Conflict: Jusuf Kalla

Jakarta, InfoPublik – Indonesian Vice President Jusuf Kalla officially opened the World Press Freedom Day (WPFD) 2017 at the Jakarta Convention Center (JCC), Jakarta, on Wednesday (3/5).

"Firstly, I would like to congratulate us all for the World Press Freedom Day 2017 today," said Jusuf Kalla.

According to him, the freedom of the press in Indonesia has grown in the last 20 years. In the past, the establishment and publication of a media required a license, which is now no longer needed except for the license of radio frequency spectrum band.

"This condition has led to major changes. A lot of new media emerged," he said. 

Currently, the government fully entrusts the media in running their function to disseminate information. However, Kalla urged the media to run internal censorship of its content.

"To ensure we have accountable published content in order to realize peace and justice in the country," said Jusuf Kalla.

Jusuf Kalla urged the media to play an active role in preventing any potential conflicts.

"The media must play a role to prevent injustice and conflict,” he said.

Vice President Jusuf Kalla arrived at Assembly Hall 1 JCC at 10.30 am local time and was greeted with Lenggang Kipas dance performance. He delivered his speech after UNESCO Director-General Irina Bokova.

Also presented in this event Timor Leste Former President Jose Ramos Horta, Indonesian House of Representatives vice speaker Fahri Hamzah, Coordinating Political, Legal and Security Affairs Minister Wiranto, Communication and Information Technology Minister Rudiantara, Education and Culture Minister Muhajir Efendi, and Indonesian Press Council chairman Yosep Adi Prasetyo. (Reporter: Tri Antoro, Translator: Siti Chodijah)