National Press Day Turns Journalists' Spirits As Authenticators in a Disruptive Era

Wednesday, February 9, 2022, was a special moment for the press. Right on this day, all journalists in Indonesia commemorate National Press Day (HPN).

The press as the fourth pillar has many responsibilities, one of which is being at the forefront of providing up-to-date information and education to the public, especially in the era of the rapid flow of industrial digitalization 4.0.

Acting (Plt) Mayor of Bandung, Yana Mulyana said that the role of the press is very important to spearhead the fight against hoaxes, especially related to pandemic issues.

"In this industrial era 4.0, the press is also the spearhead in fighting hoaxes and becomes a medium of information for all levels of society in Indonesia. Hopefully, the City Government (Pemkot) and the press can both grow better. We provide public services to the community, then media friends can provide good and valid news to the community, "said Yana.

The chairman of the Bandung City PWI, Andi Hardiansyah, also admitted that one of the toughest challenges in this digital era is hoaxes. What's more, anyone can now take on the role of a 'journalist'. Starting from ordinary people to social media accounts that often upload information, but its legitimacy is not yet clear.

“This hoax is easy to develop through non-journalistic digital products. They only chase clickers, likers, viewers and others. So, the news has appeared first. Though not necessarily valid, "said Andi.

The press, which is under the auspices of the mass media, for Andi, has a role to verify this information.

Andi added the credibility of a media and its reporters need to be considered from the smallest things such as orderly administration.

“The competent mass media must have been administratively verified, such as a registered legal entity, and certified journalists. We annually hold a journalist competency test. The examiner is from the Press Council," he said.

With the certification of journalists, the process of journalistic activities in the field will be more in line with the rules and functions. One of the functions of the press conveyed by Andi is social control.

“This social control is to avoid people from hoaxes. The press also has an educational function. During this pandemic, we convey information about the Covid-19 virus, its new variant, how to handle it, the capacity of the hospital provided by the government, and others," said Andi.

Although, Andi admitted, during this pandemic, the movement of journalists was increasingly limited. Not to mention if some journalists are positive for Covid-19, or if there is a Community Activity Restriction (PPKM) that limits the coverage distance for journalists.

However, they can overcome all these limitations by collaborating with their PR colleagues in the city, provincial and government agencies.

“Support from our partners and the government really helped us during this pandemic. For example, the city government facilitates us for vaccines, as well as detailed information from public relations which helps us in making news,” he said.

The chairman of the Indonesian Television Journalists Association, Iqwan Sabba Romli, also acknowledged the sharing of roles between sectors from the press and the government.

According to him, it is very helpful for journalists in conveying news. Especially in the early days of the pandemic, most of the activities turned online. Public relations journalism plays a very important role in the journalistic process.

"When local TV is on lockdown, friends still have to have news, while other journalists are exposed to Covid-19. We are looking for a formula through a zoom meeting or via other virtual means," he said.

"We are also looking for solutions that can be collaborated. And one of them is through these PR journalists. Their role is very helpful for us field journalists," said Iqwan.

One of the biggest challenges for television journalists, according to Iqwan, is how to continue to present the essence of the best news even though the pictures are not taken according to the rules of television journalism.

"During the lockdown, it was difficult to access everything anywhere. Sometimes I get video sources from the community, but the results are not good. Yes, we try our best to present the essence of the news that is valid, even though the visuals are not appropriate," he said.

Iqwan explained this 4.0 digitalization era has even changed the rules of television journalism. In the past, during coverage, television journalists had to carry a large camera or at least a DSLR camera.

“Now we have even entered the era of mobile journalism. Just use a cellphone, you can get news. However, there must still be journalistic standards that are still carried out according to the rules," said Iqwan. (din)**

Head of Discominfo Bandung

Yayan A. Brilyana