Information has become one of our most valuable assets, particularly as digitalization enables the instantaneous delivery of data to our devices. However, amidst this influx of information, we are simultaneously challenged by misinformation practices, such as the proliferation of hoaxes.

Therefore, fellow members of UNDIRA, National Press Day on February 9, 2026, serves once again as a reminder for us to reflect on both the history and the essence of the Press as a disseminator of information that is not only timely but also accurate. The Press has existed in Indonesia since the Dutch colonial era in 1744, marked by the publication of the newspaper "Bataviasche Nouvelles en Politique Raisonnement" under the authority of Governor-General Gustaaf Willem Baron van Imhoff.

By 1907, Medan Prijaji was established by Tirto Adhi Soerjo, the pioneer of the national press. Following the independence era in late 1945, the national press solidified its foundation through publications such as Soeara Merdeka and Berita Indonesia, which served as formal, trusted media outlets for the Indonesian people. During 1945–1946, the Indonesian press ecosystem entered a "mature" phase, signaled by the establishment of institutions such as Radio Republik Indonesia (RRI) and the Indonesian Journalists Association (PWI).

Despite these developments, freedom of expression through the press remained significantly constrained until the issuance of Presidential Decree No. 5 of 1985 by President Soeharto, which finally recognized the press as a strategic channel for national development.

According to Law Number 40 of 1999, Article 3, the functions of the press are to serve as a national information outlet, an economic institution, a vehicle for public aspiration, and a pillar of democracy that fosters freedom and active public participation.

In the contemporary era, social media offers "instant gratification" often coupled with a lack of expertise or intellectual rigor. Consequently, laypersons can easily disseminate misinformation based solely on misplaced confidence. Furthermore, the commodification of "viral" phenomena often distracts the public from the "bigger picture"—the broader scope of what is actually occurring behind the scenes.

The presence of the press in this digital and modern era serves as the backbone of information distribution, ensuring content is not only rapid but also actualized through credible sources.

In 2026, referring to the official theme set by the PWI—"Healthy Press, Sovereign Economy, Strong Nation"—the Indonesian press plays a strategic role that extends beyond information dissemination. It contributes to public welfare through detailed reporting and by stimulating public interest in the intricacies of surrounding phenomena. This is particularly vital as globalization and geopolitics demand a heightened sensitivity to shifting information landscapes.

The Synergy of Press and Academia The press and the academic world currently exist as two mutually supportive systems. The academic ecosystem generates methodical knowledge and research, while the press bridges these findings to the public forum. This synergy is crucial for translating complex research into digestible information. Ultimately, the existence of the press not only upholds the truth but also sharpens our intellectual curiosity for future critical thinking.