RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - The government, through the Government Communications Agency (Bakom), is seeking to expand its public outreach by partnering with the New Media Forum as part of the digital media ecosystem.

“The presence of our New Media partners reflects Bakom’s efforts to reach the widest possible public, not only through conventional media but also through digital channels, which today have become a communication reality shaped by technological and social developments,” Bakom RI Head Muhammad Qodari said at a press conference in Jakarta on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, as quoted by Antara.

Qodari explained that the New Media Forum is a collaborative platform for several digital media actors, previously known as “homeless media,” who have now transformed into new media entities.

Platforms joining the forum include Folkative, Indozone, Dagelan, Indomusikgram, Infipop, USS Feeds, Bapak-bapak ID, Menjadi Manusia, GNFI, Creativox, Kok Bisa, Taubatters, Pandemictalks, Kawan Hawa, Volix, Bicarain Uang, Big Alpha, Goodstats, Hai Dudu, Proud Project, Kumpul Leaders, CXO Media, The Mapple Media, Melodi Alam, Mahasiswa dan Jakarta, and Mature Indonesia.

New media has become a digital communication reality with a vast reach, boasting tens to hundreds of millions of followers and billions of monthly views.

However, Qodari noted that challenges remain, particularly in maintaining balanced information and strengthening relations with conventional media and institutions such as the Press Council. “Balanced reporting is still a challenge in new media, so alternatives such as stronger verification methods are needed if balance cannot be fully achieved,” he said.

Bakom’s approach, he added, is not to distance itself from new media but to embrace them, so that their quality and standards can be brought closer to those of conventional media practices.

He pointed out that many new media outlets now have institutional structures, including companies, editorial teams, and clear addresses, distinguishing them from anonymous social media accounts.

“Given the reality that new media already has a sizable following, perhaps up to 100 million, with monthly views reaching 4 to 6 billion, we believe the best course of action is to engage with them to further improve quality,” Qodari said. ***