TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesia President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (SBY) asked the press to keep being objective and uphold journalistic ethics to ensure a responsible press. “Don’t abuse it,” he said on Monday.

SBY said those principles are easier said than done because the press are often tempted to use their power. “Whoever holds the power, whether it’s the government, parliament, the press or law enforcers, must be careful in using that power. Absolute power can be abused in an absolute way,” he said.

According to SBY, this condition appears because Indonesia’s democracy has had a surplus since 1998. The press are not only a milestone that maintains democratic values and makes sure the transformation of government a success, but also a tool for specific interest. SBY warned the press not to go too far.

“The press must maintain independence, objective, fair and responsible reporting. Not partisan or not too partisan,” he said, adding that no press in this world that are no parties.

SBY warned this partiality could affect media’s credibility in the public. “The people are getting more critical towards partisan media. Partisan, unfair and unbalanced media will be judged. The judge is not the state such as in authoritarian regime but the people. They are stronger than the state,” he said.

RIKY FERDIANTO