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In today’s Indonesia, journalists play a critical role in the dissemination of accurate information and in helping inculcate the right values for society at large. Since the fall of the New Order regime, Indonesia has developed one of the freest presses in the region.

With such freedom, however, comes great responsibility. The country’s media has a moral obligation to report fairly, accurately and in a balanced way, but it also has a higher duty, because of the power it enjoys to shape perceptions and change mindsets. It must play a positive role in nation building. It must play a part in nurturing the right values that enhance and strengthen society, which will benefit everyone.

Addressing the celebrations to mark National Press Day 2012 in Jambi, President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono touched on these points. While he recognized the press’ role in providing public oversight on the government and in providing information, he said the press should not only focus on the negatives.

Balanced reporting is a fundamental principle for every media organization. It is the job of the journalists to report all sides of a story and to gain opposite views. Editors, however, can sway public opinion by their selection of the stories they choose to publish.

The media should provide hope and raise the aspirations of the nation and its people. It should promote a culture of peace, harmony and dialogue. Where necessary, it must support the government with positive journalism and information that empowers society. This is as important as uncovering corruption and collusion among misbehaving government officials.

The media is now an established institution. It plays a central role in acting as a bridge between the government and society. It must never be the mouthpiece of the government, or any other interests, but neither must it see its role as merely a critic of the government.

It can, for example, help promote entrepreneurship, encouraging people to be more energy efficient and support private enterprise. It can raise issues such as the need to improve productivity and competitiveness.

Given the power and freedom it has, the press in Indonesia can and must develop a new model for itself and not just copy the western model blindly.