TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDIP) board of directors consulted with the Press Council on Thursday as they plan to submit a complaint against three mass media regarding their news coverage of the political party’s 50th anniversary held in Jakarta on January 10.

The political party was represented by Yasonna Laoly, who is PDIP's head of law and human rights. “We are seeking to report three media to the Press Council which consists of Kompas.com, Media Indonesia, and Metro TV. We will follow the existing complaint procedure,” said Yasonna in a written statement.

He was accompanied by the PDIP secretary-general Hasto Kristiyanto and DPP head Ahmad Basarah.

PDIP argues that media ownership by political party activists can lead to the misuse of the public platform to accommodate certain groups’ interests, which Yasonna deems unfair.

Therefore, Yasonna suggested the Press Council issue provisions for the press to uphold ethics in reporting and not misuse it for certain political interests, especially ahead of the 2024 Election.

Hasto also urged that the press should not be used for electoral political interests by cornering other groups.

"The press must be used for the benefit of elevating the nation's civilization. PDIP is committed to building a professional press. We do not have any intention to manage a media ourselves," said Hasto.

In response, Press Council chairperson, Ninik Rahayu, encouraged PDIP to lodge a report on the media which the news reported was deemed detrimental to them.

ANTARA

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