Gov't committed to ensure press freedom: PCO

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Head of the Presidential Communications Office (PCO), Hasan Nasbi, emphasized the government’s commitment to ensuring press freedom in Indonesia.

He made this statement in response to the terror incident experienced by the newsroom of Tempo, which was sent a severed pig's head along with dead rats.

"There has been no change in the government's commitment to press freedom," Nasbi stated in a written message to journalists here on Sunday.

He emphasized that the government remains steadfast in upholding press freedom in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.

The government adheres to the 1945 Constitution, Law Number 40 of 1999 on the Press, and Law Number 39 of 1999 on Human Rights, he stated.

Law No. 39 of 1999 on Human Rights, Article 14, paragraph 1 states that every individual has the right to obtain information necessary for personal development and social environment.

"Article 14 and 23 of Law No. 39 on Human Rights also guarantee rights that are more or less similar," he said.

He affirmed that press freedom is a manifestation of the people's sovereignty and it is fully guaranteed without any practices of censorship or banning.

He assured that the government has not deviated from these principles at all.

On the other hand, he also reminded that the media has a responsibility to convey information that is accurate, precise, and correct in accordance with the mandate of the Press Law.

"The media is also mandated by the Press Law to provide information that is accurate, precise, and correct," he stated.

Meanwhile, Deputy Minister of Manpower, Immanuel Ebenezer, urged law enforcement to thoroughly investigate the threats against Tempo journalists.