Press Freedom Helps Enhance National Development: Jusuf Kalla

Jakarta, InfoPublik – Indonesian Vice President Jusuf Kalla pointed out that Indonesia is a country where the freedom of the press, the autonomous administrative system and democracy could run in harmony for national progress in various sectors.

"Many countries in the world could not havedemocracy, autonomy and press freedom to simultaneously develop in harmony," said Vice President Jusuf Kalla on the Opening Ceremony of World Freedom Day (WPFD) 2017 at the Jakarta Convention Center (JCC) Assembly Hall 1, on Wednesday (3/5).

Vice President considered press freedom important to be aligned with the autonomy and democracy, particularly in its role to maintain the sustainability of the state administration in accordance with its vision and mission. With the freedom of press, stakeholders could be aware of the potential errors that may have been conducted.

"The government needs criticism and critical views. With these two, the state can run on the right track," he said.

He considered that the freedom of press is very important, thus the government issued regulations related to safety for journalists  in exercising their profession. He added that the media should also be objectiveand impartial in producing their stories.

 "The government guarantees the safety of journalists and without intervention so that the media can maintain their objectivity,"  the Vice President added.

Also present at the Opening Ceremony former President of East Timor Jose Ramos Horta, Director General of UNESCO Irina Bokova, Indonesian House Deputy Speaker Fahri Hamzah, Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs Wiranto, Minister of Communication and Information Technology Rudiantara, Minister of Education and Culture Muhajir Efendi, And Chairman of the Press Council Yosep Adi Prasetio. (Reporter: Tri Antoro, Translator:Sugiarti)