TEMPO.CO, Jakarta – President Joko Widodo has warned all officials in the Working Cabinet about the role of mass media in reporting all government’s activities and policies. He has also dispatched intelligence to monitor news from 343 mass media.
“Even though the media do not necessarily represent the government’s performance, I want to convey that the media also shape the perception and the image of the government,” said President Jokowi at a plenary cabinet Meeting on Wednesday.
He continued that perception was produced from various activities by state ministers and high-ranking officials. The perception, he went on, could be varied according to each media outlet’s viewpoint, which could lead to pros and cons toward the government.
“Everyone knows we are always followed and judged by the media,” said Jokowi.
Jokowi did not state a clear reason about his sudden statement on the role of the media for the government. The cabinet meeting was supposed to discuss the 2015-2019 National Mid Term Development Plan and the 2015 Government Work Plan.
FRANSISCO ROSARIANS