PORTALJABAR, BANDUNG CITY - West Java Governor Dedi Mulyadi emphasized that journalists must uphold independence and show a commitment to objective facts in presenting news.

This was conveyed by KDM - the governor's nickname - when giving a speech at the inauguration of the West Java Journalists Association (PWI) Management for the 2026 - 2031 period at the Merdeka Building, Bandung City, Friday (2/10/2026).

"Journalists must be independent, so the Indonesian Journalists Association (PWI) must continue to uphold independence and support objective facts, presenting news based on the facts," he said.

Journalists are a respected profession that is still needed to fact-check news amidst the rapid flow of social media information that is often exposed to hoaxes.

"So, it's neither adding nor subtracting, because this is an honorable profession in building the democratic balance that exists in Indonesia and in West Java," he explained.

On the other hand, media companies are currently facing a media management dilemma, especially to survive amidst competition for funding/advertising with social media and even with influencers / buzzers .

When media outlets collaborate with either the private sector or the government, their independence is increasingly challenged. This is where the media and its journalists are tested.

"Ultimately, the public will become more discerning in their search for news and will return to genuine news, not just sensational or viral content," he said.

The Chairman of the West Java PWI, Tantan Sulthon, stated that being a partner does not only mean reporting on government programs and successes, but also having the obligation to provide input and criticism so that the direction of development of the West Java community is in accordance with what is planned, to become a special West Java community.

"To realize the city's overtime management, synergy is needed from all parties, including us journalists. We are ready to inform you about local government policies, but we also write about the community's conditions and criticisms as they are," he stressed.

Ahmad Munir, Chairman of the Central Indonesian Journalists Association (PWI), said that the presence of the press is now increasingly urgent to ensure that the information received by the public is truly accurate, thereby providing positive energy for the nation to progress and develop together.

"We hope the strategic partnership with the press will continue," he concluded.

WEST JAVA PUBLIC RELATIONS
Head of the Communication and Information Service of West Java Province
Adi Komar