By: Aceng Syamsul Hadie, S.Sos, MM Chairman of the Advisory Board of DPP ASWIN
The Press Council, which was established in 2000, has failed to carry out its mandate to fight for press freedom and journalist unity. On the contrary, the Press Council has created division and discrimination against certain groups of journalists.
The author, Aceng Syamsul Hadie, is of the opinion that the Press Council has exceeded its authority by creating regulations and verifying the legitimacy of journalist organizations and media companies. This has resulted in only a small number of journalists being recognized as legitimate, while the majority are marginalized.
The author cites several examples of the Press Council’s failures, including:
1. Discrimination against certain groups of journalists
2. Creating regulations that are not in line with the Press Law
3. Verifying the legitimacy of journalist organizations and media companies
4. Signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with government agencies without representing the majority of journalists
The author concludes that the Press Council needs to be totally reformed, both structurally and operationally. New leadership must be elected that is committed to advancing press freedom and unity among journalists, and that is transparent and accountable in its management.
The author also emphasizes the importance of journalist organizations and media companies working together to advance press freedom and unity, rather than relying solely on the Press Council.