Jakarta (Antara Babel) - President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono was hopeful that the press and mass media will continue to strongly uphold their identity, attitude, and culture, so that they can provide information in accordance with the people's needs.
"Around the world, there is a partisan press, but refrain from becoming partisan. The Indonesian News Agency, Antara, should maintain appropriate limits, including reporting the 2014 presidential election," President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono stated at the launch of the news portal, Antaranews.com, on Monday.
The president remarked that the people criticized the partisan, unbalanced, and unfair media. The strength of the people is paramount.
"The people are the judges, and they are more powerful than the government and state. If the people want it, then be it with God's permission," the president stressed.
The president was optimistic that the Indonesian press can maintain its identity and culture as one of the pillars of democracy.
"My message is to maintain your basic attitude and culture that have been listed in the code of ethics of journalism. Some people do not like the role played by Antara because the reporting lacks depth and assertiveness. However, people like the media that knows its limits and is not excessive," he affirmed.
The ceremony was attended by first lady Ani Yudhoyono.
The ceremony honors individuals and companies contributing to community empowerment, health, and the environment in Indonesia.
The award is bestowed on companies that have showcased tremendous commitment towards the empowerment of communities and the environment through corporate social responsibility (CSR).
A company is chosen for the award based on its ability to implement various environmental development programs.
LKBN Antara also gives Philanthropy Leaders Awards 2014 to community leaders, who are assessed based on their exemplary efforts and generosity to eradicate AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria.
Moreover, LKBN Antara also presents awards to national figures that work towards enhancing the intelligence of Indonesian children. These awards are given to figures that serve to initiate and synergize the power of the nation for improving intelligence enhancement of Indonesian children.
Antaranews CSR Awards were conferred to PT Semen Padang Indonesia, BPJS, and PT Astra International.
Dato Sri Prof. Dr Tahir was honored with the Philanthropy Leaders Awards 2014, and first lady Ani Yudhoyono received the award as a figure who worked towards improving intelligence enhancement of Indonesian children.
The first lady is assessed as the originator of smart homes in the period between 2005 and 2014. The program has been realized in 511 smart homes across Indonesia.
