PORTALJABAR, CIAMIS REGENCY - The Ciamis Regency Government is encouraging journalists to become strategic partners in combating the spread of hoaxes and helping the public obtain accurate, balanced, and accountable information.

This was conveyed by the Regent of Ciamis, Herdiat Sunarya, in a speech read by the Head of the Communication and Information Service of Ciamis Regency, Enda Hidayat, at the Talkshow and Journalist Gathering in the context of the 28th Anniversary of the Indonesian Television Journalists Association (IJTI) Galuh Raya Regional Office at the Naik Kelas Coffee Shop, Thursday (13/8/2026).

The activity carried the theme "Maintaining the Dignity of Television Journalism Amidst the Storm of Disruption."

Herdiat said that the development of digital technology has changed the way people obtain and consume information. The ease of disseminating information through various digital platforms offers benefits, but also presents challenges in maintaining the accuracy and quality of information.

"Amidst the rapid development of technology, we are witnessing a significant change in the way people obtain and consume information," he said.

According to him, one of the challenges that requires attention is the continued circulation of hoaxes in the community. To address this, the Ciamis Regency Government, through its "Ciamis Libas Hoaks" (CLICKS) program, continues to monitor, verify, and clarify various circulating issues.

According to Ciamis Regency Government data, around 177 pieces of content were handled to clarify hoaxes throughout 2025. As of July 2026, 157 pieces of content had been handled, both related to local and national issues circulating within the Ciamis community.

Herdiat emphasized that efforts to combat hoaxes cannot be undertaken by the government alone. Collaboration with various parties, including the press, is necessary to build a healthy information ecosystem.

In this context, journalists are considered to have a strategic position because they not only convey information, but also help the public distinguish between true information and information that cannot be accounted for.

"Journalists are not only required to be quick in conveying information, but must also be able to maintain accuracy, objectivity, ethics, and the public interest," he stressed.

Herdiat also views the press as a strategic partner of the government in conveying information and education to the public while also carrying out a social control function.

"The Ciamis Regency Government views the press as a strategic partner in conveying information to the public," he said.

Therefore, he hopes that the relationship between the government and the press will continue to be built on a spirit of partnership, openness, and mutual respect. He believes this synergy is crucial for ensuring the public receives accurate, balanced, and high-quality information.

Meanwhile, the Chairperson of the Galuh Raya Regional News Agency (IJTI), Yosep Trisna, said that the current challenges for media no longer only come from competition between media to be the fastest in delivering news, but also from the rapid flow of information from social media.

"Our competition today is no longer about who is the fastest among media, but rather social media, with its wild flow of information," he said.

According to Yosep, this situation further emphasizes the importance of professional media in presenting accurate and accountable information. He urged journalists to continue improving their professionalism and assist the government in correcting misinformation.

"As the media, we play a role in providing accurate and accountable information. We work alongside the government in providing accurate information to correct the flow of misinformation," he said.

Herdiat hopes that the IJTI Korda Galuh Raya will continue to be a forum for improving the competence, professionalism, and solidarity of journalists, while also making a positive contribution to the community and development of Ciamis Regency.

"Happy 28th Anniversary, Indonesian Television Journalists Association. Let's continue to uphold the dignity of journalism, strengthen professionalism, and work together to educate the public through quality information," he concluded.

(Ciamis Communications and Information Service/rka)