Press Industry Will Contribute to Economic Growth, Minister Says

VIVA – Government through Minister of Communication and Information Technology, Johnny G. Plate, conveys optimism that the national press Industry will be able to contribute to economic growth in Indonesia.

"The government is optimistic that the national economy will grow by 5.31 percent despite the impact due to the weakening global economy. We hope the mass media community will take advantage of this difficult time as a challenge and opportunity to continue to grow and develop for the better,” the minister stated.

This was conveyed by Minister Johnny in his remarks at the Mass Media Convention of the 2023 National Press Day series at the Mercure Hotel Ballroom, Medan, North Sumatra, Wednesday.

Minister Johnny said that in today’s digital era, mass media has grown enormously. As many as 88 percent of people use digital media. Then, as a result, several media are involved in fierce competition.

So, it is hoped that the mass media industry will be able to take advantage of the various opportunities and continue to play a role in building a digital era that is clean and safe for users, he said.

"In this digital era, fierce competition continues to occur. Therefore, people in the mass media industry must be able to take advantage of opportunities to create a digital world that is clean, safe, and comfortable for users," Minister Johnny G. Plate remarked.

He also asked the mass media to continue to avoid misinformation to maintain the continuity of its existence.

Meanwhile, North Sumatra Governor, Edy Rahmayadi said press freedom in North Sumatra was opened as wide as possible.

"As the media has freedom, we are often disappointed, too (by their reporting). However, we continue to work with constructive mass media, which report professionally and in a balanced manner according to journalistic norms," he said.