RRI.CO.ID, Banten - Indonesian Minister of Villages and Development of Disadvantaged Regions Yandri Susanto emphasized the importance of the media’s role in expanding the dissemination of rural development information to strengthen local economies. He made the statement while attending the main event of the 2026 National Press Day in Banten.

Yandri said broader and more accurate media coverage is essential to ensure that the potential of rural areas becomes widely known and delivers tangible benefits to rural communities. According to him, the media plays a strategic role in supporting inclusive and sustainable rural development.

The statement was delivered during the commemoration of the 2026 National Press Day held at the Banten Provincial Government Center (KP3B) in Serang City on Monday, 9 February 2026. The event was attended by government officials, journalists, and media stakeholders from across the country.

Yandri noted that the rapid flow of information on social media has significantly changed how the public consumes news. This condition, he said, requires mainstream media to remain a trusted reference for accurate and balanced information.

“Now is the era of social media, where people can access information very quickly through these platforms, so the role of the media is highly anticipated in delivering information that is accurate and based on facts,” Yandri said.

He added that professional journalism can help the public differentiate between credible information and misleading content circulating online. “It will serve as a point of reference and provide clarity for the public to distinguish between true news and hoaxes,” he said.

Furthermore, Yandri expressed hope that the synergy between the Ministry of Villages and Development of Disadvantaged Regions and the press community will continue to grow. He said such cooperation is vital to further explore and promote the potential of rural areas.

According to Yandri, sustained collaboration between the government and the media is expected to encourage more equitable rural development. He added that these efforts could also stimulate economic growth in rural communities across various regions of Indonesia.