Freedom vs Dignity: The challenge of Indonesia’s Press
BAGUS BT. SARAGIH
Indonesia’s press today may have reached its freedom on a great level. Comparing to the situation in the New Order era, journalists nowadays are far more unhampered.
There is no more intervention from the government as well as threat to the media which are considered against the government. Reporters are able to write anything they judge as news. Media companies are also growing significantly as there is no permit needed any longer.
This freedom is also causing the variety of media. People now can be informed not only from paper, but also from extensively growing TV and internet.
Years ago, people could get news only when they were at home and read newspaper. Now, people can notice news events from the internet right which is now can be accessed from cellular phones, anytime, anywhere. In fact, no need to find news any longer. The news can come through a news SMS service, for example.
Is this what the press people really want? Or, is it just uncontrolled euphoria? Continue Reading…
