Don’t Silence The Press For Administration’s Sake
By: Kuswadi A.H., MBA., MPP
In a democratic country, free speech is the oxygen of the public. However, these days, that breathing space feels increasingly cramped. The press, which should be the fourth pillar of democracy, is being pushed into administrative cages that limit its actions and silence critical voices.
The pretext is simple: for the sake of administrative order. But what kind of order is being upheld if the voices of independent journalists and alternative media are considered disruptive, simply because they lack “official recognition”?
Press freedom is not the privilege of a select few media personnel. It is the public’s right to know. Narrowing the definition of journalists to only those administratively registered is a setback for democracy. A democratic country should not be preoccupied with sorting out who is qualified to speak and who is not.
Instead of closing doors, the state and press authorities should open spaces: strengthening journalistic ethics, expanding training, and bringing all stakeholders together at the same dialogue table. In the digital age, when anyone can become a producer of information, an exclusive approach is counterproductive.
Admittedly, there are problems on the ground: false information, fake journalists, and irresponsible media. But the solution isn’t to sweep everything under the rug with a single label. The solution is to build a healthy, open, and public-oriented press ecosystem.
Journalists, in essence, are the guardians of the nation’s conscience. Amidst the fog of power and algorithm-driven news, they serve as guides for the public. We need more—not fewer—journalists who are courageous, independent, and stand on the side of the truth.
As Zoelnoer once reminded us:
> “Press freedom is not only the right of journalists, but the public’s right to know.”
If the state continues to marginalize independent media and narrow the definition of journalism, what we will achieve is not order, but oppression. Democracy cannot thrive in a land that fears criticism. And a silenced press is an early sign of the demise of public awareness.**
About the Author:
Kuswadi A.H., MBA., MPP
Observer of education and media issues. Actively conducts digital and media literacy training for students and the general public. Residing in Kudus, Central Java.
