Your opinion on International Press Freedom Day falls on May 3.
Since the era of reform a decade ago, freedom of expression, including freedom of the press, seems to have progressed significantly in this country. Journalists can cover news events and, after editing, the news pieces are published through the print or electronic media, equipped with comments and opinions from the editors.
As to preserving the freedom of the press and trustworthy news publications, the Indonesian press should maintain the accuracy and trustworthiness of news pieces published or broadcasted to the public. A failure to uphold these principles should be subject to prosecution in the courts.
Abdul Rahim
Tangerang
The press in Indonesia is generally poor. Many news media have failed to maintain balanced reporting standards as they do not quote the statements or opinions of officials or those responsible.
As an example, many of the Indonesian media did not publish quotations or remarks made by officials responsible for the Situ Gintung dam incident.
In many ways, the press here is analogous to the situation in the country as a whole: There are lots of complaints, yet nearly none are willing to do what it takes to truly create lasting and positive change.
Bima
Jakarta
Freedom of the press in Indonesia is guaranteed and well-protected by the law. However, the press should use this granted freedom in a highly responsible way.
In my view, if the press gravely violates another party's freedom, the offended party has the full right to protect their freedom by taking legal proceedings through the courts instead of entrusting the case to the non-judicial Press Council (Dewan Pers).
Soebagjo Soetadji
Jakarta
Press Freedom Day, which falls on May 3, could mean different things to different people. For me, who wants the country to develop properly for the sake of the people, who have been suffering for a long time through the changes of different governments, I hope the next government would truly think and plan to improve our people's standards of living. Would it be that hard to do?
No, for we have the means to do so already in place. We have SBY to eradicate our corrupt culture, and we have Fadel Muhammad (FM) who has already shown his capability in improving the conditions of his subjects in Gorontalo! Long live SBY/FM.
Moeljono Adikoesoemo
Jakarta
At present, we often hear about private cases, obviously not urgent, but after being exposed to the public through the media, they are quickly handled by the authorities.
The press reports cases that interest the public. The press then has a duty to provide information and publish it, after going through a checks-and-balances process.
Yogi Suwasono
Jakarta
