RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta – Indonesian authorities are paying attention to this year's World Press Freedom Day, which falls on Sunday, May 3, 2026. They emphasized the press's responsibility to maintain integrity and combat disinformation amid the rapid flow of information.

Indonesia’s Minister of Communication and Digital Affairs, Meutya Hafid, spoke about the press amid the fast-moving information landscape during the 2026 World Press Freedom Day commemoration in Jakarta on Sunday. As quoted from her ministry’s social media, she urged the press to be at the forefront in safeguarding the integrity, values, and usefulness of news.

"Because fundamentally, we create news for the benefit of the public, not to harm the public. That’s what we need to protect," Meutya said.

"We understand that it is not easy amid the onslaught of such rapid information, because everyone wants to be fast, but not everyone wants to be careful, not everyone wants to verify, and not everyone feels the need to ensure that news products continue to benefit the public," she said.

Meutya Hafid added that Indonesia’s Constitution had established that the right to obtain information is part of human rights, as long as the information is accurate. Therefore, she conveyed to media outlets conducting live broadcasts, including new media, to continue delivering truthful information.

In a separate statement, the Chairman of the Indonesian Press Council, Komaruddin Hidayat, referred to this year’s World Press Freedom Day theme, “Shaping the Future of Peace.” He reminded that amid information disruption, healthy journalism is an anchor for civilization.

"Today, on the commemoration of World Press Freedom Day 2026, we are not merely gathering to celebrate freedom of expression. More than that, this moment is a reminder that we bear a great responsibility to help build civilization and maintain peace among the people of the world,” Komaruddin said.

Komaruddin emphasized that the press is not just reporting news, but also an instrument for achieving justice and public welfare. However, he insisted that a just future can only be upheld if the public receives accountable information.

"The press is the guardian of public reason. Without a well-maintained quality of the press... the sustainability of this nation will continue to be threatened by the destructive flow of disinformation. The struggle to safeguard public reason is not carried out alone, but is upheld collectively by the global community," he said.

This year’s World Press Freedom Day is being marked in a conference scheduled to take place in Lusaka, Zambia, on Monday, May 4, 2026. Similar commemorations have been and will be held in 18 countries across the globe.