Press Council, Voicejogja.com – In an era where a relentless stream of information pours from social media, citizens are increasingly faced with a difficult choice: speed or accuracy. In this landscape, the quality of information has become more vital than ever for daily life.
For the public, including those in Yogyakarta, known as the “City of Students”, the ability to filter information is no longer just a luxury, but a necessity to keep the public sphere healthy and trustworthy.
Testing Accuracy in an Era of Speed
Komaruddin Hidayat, Chairman of the Indonesian Press Council (Dewan Pers), emphasized that shifting consumer behavior demands higher standards from the national press.
His remarks were delivered during the 2026 World Press Freedom Day commemoration, held amidst the vibrant atmosphere of Jakarta’s Car Free Day. According to Hidayat, the public is currently caught in a dilemma between the instant gratification of social media and the fundamental need for accurate, reliable news.
“The demand for quality information is becoming more palpable. There is a shift between the thrill of accessing social media and the conscious search for truthful reporting,” he stated.
Press Council: The Public’s Indispensable Role
World Press Freedom Day serves as a reminder that the quality of information is not the responsibility of the media alone. Hidayat stressed that the public plays a crucial role as consumers. The choice of which sources to trust will ultimately determine the health of the entire information ecosystem.
“We must work together to improve the quality of the press in Indonesia. This is a shared responsibility,” he added. For a city like Yogyakarta, which thrives on intellectual traditions and open dialogue, this awareness is the foundation of a healthy public discourse.
Press Council: Freedom and Responsibility: Side by Side
He also reminded the audience that press freedom must walk hand-in-hand with responsibility. Accuracy, ethics, and integrity are the keys to maintaining public trust.
In a constantly evolving digital landscape, the role of the press as a provider of credible information is increasingly relevant, particularly in safeguarding public interest and democracy. This momentum serves as a reflection that behind the freedom of expression lies a great duty to ensure that the information circulated truly benefits society.
Press Council: Keeping the Public Space Healthy
For Yogyakarta, this issue is more than just a national discourse. As a city fueled by students, creative communities, and local scholars, the quality of information determines the direction of public conversation, from university halls to everyday neighborhood gatherings.
When information is trustworthy, social trust is preserved. It is upon this trust that an inclusive and knowledgeable future for the city can be built.(Oi)
Source: Infopublik.id
