What is the function of the Press Council as an institution that protects press independence

JAKARTA (Antara) – As a pillar of democracy, the press has an important role in conveying information, overseeing the running of government, and becoming a means of education for the community.

Press independence is a manifestation of the sovereignty of the people based on democracy, justice, and the rule of law. These values ​​are supported by the function of the Press Council as an institution that aims to protect the independence of the press and improve the quality of national press lives.

The Press Council was formed based on Law Number 40 of 1999 concerning the Press. Therefore, the Press Council plays an active role in ensuring that this freedom is maintained without intervention from other parties.

Also read: What is the law that regulates the press in Indonesia?

Press Council Function

This institution has various functions and tasks that support press independence and improve the professionalism of the journalistic world in Indonesia. The main functions and tasks of the Press Council include:

• Protecting press independence from interference from other parties which has the potential to limit the freedom of the press.
• Conduct an assessment for the development of a better national press life.
• Establish and oversee the implementation of journalistic code of ethics in order to ensure journalist professionalism and prevent misuse of press freedom.
• Provide consideration and resolve public complaints related to reporting that is considered detrimental or not in accordance with the code of ethics.
• Developing communication between the press, society, and the government to create harmonious and mutually beneficial relations.
• Facilitating the press organization in preparing regulations in the press field and improving the quality of the territorial profession.
• Record press companies to ensure transparency and accountability in the media industry.

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A brief history of the Press Council

The Press Council was first formed in 1968, based on Law No.11 of 1966 concerning the Principal Provisions of the Press Signed by President Soekarno, on December 12, 1966.

At that time the Press Council functions to accompany the government, together to foster the growth and development of the national press, in accordance with Article 6 paragraph (1) of Law No.11/1966. Meanwhile, according to Article 7 paragraph (1) the Chairperson of the Press Council is held by the Minister of Information.

After the New Order reform in 1998 and the passing of Law No. 40 of 1999 concerning the press makes the changing the Press Council into an independent, can be seen from Article 15 paragraph (1) of the Press Law states:

“In an effort to develop press independence and improve the life of the national press, an independent press council was formed”.

The function of the Press Council also changed, which formerly as an advisor to the government then became a protector of the press independence.

In membership, there are no more representatives from the government in the Press Council. There is also no government interference in institutions and membership, although membership must be determined through a Presidential Decree.

For the chairman and deputy chairman of the Press Council, elected through the mechanism of the plenary meeting (decided by members) and not stated in the Presidential Decree.

Also read: What is the Press Council? This is the explanation

Also read: Registration of Press Council Members for the period 2025-2028 was opened

Reporter: Raihan Fadilah
Editor: Suryanto
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