DPR: Journalists play important role in improving democracy quality

Jakarta, InfoPublik – The House of Representative’s (DPR) parliamentary news bureau and expert council held the 2018 press gathering at Griya Sabha House in Bogor. The event aimed to promote the sense of friendship among the House’s leaders and members; the secretariat general and expert council staffs; and all journalists under the parliamentary journalists coordination office.

DPR deputy speaker Fahri Hamzah officially opened the event that was also attended by the House's affairs council (BURT) member Rendy Affandy Lamadjido. The lively event was concluded with a group photo and an election of the new press room (media center) chair.

In his remarks, Fahri explained that a strong and information sources-based press is mandatory in democracy. It would save democracy from the power of capitalists because journalists had an important role in Indonesia and its democracy.

"Journalists must have a clear vision because you have an important role in the democracy system," said Fahri who is also the House’s chairperson of people's welfare coordination office.

He added the technology has dominated the life of people in today’s world. The spreading of fake news or hoaxes is a negative impact. Therefore, the press room’s technology division is strengthened to combat them. This measure will highlight the effects of technology for journalism and foster a code of ethics for healthy journalism.

"We must fight the dominance [negative impact] of technology. When possible, the technology division must also be made stronger," the legislator from West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) electoral district iterated.

The gathering was also attended by the House’s secretary general Indra Iskandar, conference affairs deputy Damayanti, parliamentary news bureau head Y.O.I Tahapahari, print and social media division head Muhammad Djazuli, officials and staffs of the House’s secretariat general and expert council, and 148 journalists. (Translator: Erik Limantara)