TheJakartaPost

Please Update your browser

Your browser is out of date, and may not be compatible with our website. A list of the most popular web browsers can be found below.
Just click on the icons to get to the download page.

Jakarta Post

Purbaya calls on journalists to step up scrutiny of government

Speaking at an event hosted by the Chief Editors Forum on Sunday, Purbaya said the press had grown “increasingly muted” in recent years, leaving poor public policies insufficiently challenged and weakening policy outcomes.

News Desk (The Jakarta Post)
Jakarta
Mon, November 17, 2025 Published on Nov. 17, 2025 Published on 2025-11-17T18:00:38+07:00

Change text size

Gift Premium Articles
to Anyone

Share the best of The Jakarta Post with friends, family, or colleagues. As a subscriber, you can gift 3 to 5 articles each month that anyone can read—no subscription needed!
Support the truth: Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa (left) and Chief Editors Forum chair Retno Pinasti (second left) flag off participants of the 2025 Run for Good Journalism event on Sunday, in Jakarta. Organized by the Chief Editors Forum, the event aimed to strengthen the ecosystem of quality journalism and support the sustainability of the media industry amid the challenges of the digital era. Support the truth: Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa (left) and Chief Editors Forum chair Retno Pinasti (second left) flag off participants of the 2025 Run for Good Journalism event on Sunday, in Jakarta. Organized by the Chief Editors Forum, the event aimed to strengthen the ecosystem of quality journalism and support the sustainability of the media industry amid the challenges of the digital era. (Antara/Muhammad Iqbal)

F

inance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa has called on Indonesian media to reinvigorate their watchdog role, arguing that stronger journalistic scrutiny, including criticism of government policies, is essential to safeguarding the country’s economic performance.

Speaking at an event hosted by the Chief Editors Forum on Sunday, Purbaya said the press had grown “increasingly muted” in recent years, leaving poor public policies insufficiently challenged and weakening policy outcomes.

Journalists, he said, play a crucial role in ensuring Indonesia’s long-term development stays on track. “Next time, give good criticism, and if possible, offer solutions too,” he said.

He also acknowledged mounting concerns about the media industry’s declining health, and subsequently urged news organizations to remain critical and resilient to help reverse the trend.

Chief Editors Forum chairwoman Retno Pinasti said during the similar event that sustained, collective efforts were needed to protect quality journalism and media sustainability.

"Misinformation, disinformation and deepfakes must be tackled through effective and coordinated efforts, [starting with journalists] upholding ethical standards and continuing to innovate and adapt to [rapidly] changing landscape,” she continued.

Morning Brief

Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday morning.

Delivered straight to your inbox three times weekly, this curated briefing provides a concise overview of the day's most important issues, covering a wide range of topics from politics to culture and society.

By registering, you agree with The Jakarta Post's

Thank You

for signing up our newsletter!

Please check your email for your newsletter subscription.

View More Newsletter

The “Fun Run for Good Journalism” at South Jakarta’s Atma Jaya Catholic University drew around 400 participants, including senior journalists, media figures and editors-in-chief. (gmb)

Your Opinion Matters

Share your experiences, suggestions, and any issues you've encountered on The Jakarta Post. We're here to listen.

Enter at least 30 characters
0 / 30

Thank You

Thank you for sharing your thoughts. We appreciate your feedback.

Share options

Quickly share this news with your network—keep everyone informed with just a single click!

Change text size options

Customize your reading experience by adjusting the text size to small, medium, or large—find what’s most comfortable for you.

Gift Premium Articles
to Anyone

Share the best of The Jakarta Post with friends, family, or colleagues. As a subscriber, you can gift 3 to 5 articles each month that anyone can read—no subscription needed!

Continue in the app

Get the best experience—faster access, exclusive features, and a seamless way to stay updated.