Aceng Syamsul Hadie Calls for Genuine Press Freedom on National Press Day 2026
Jakarta, Indonesia – February 9, 2026
In commemoration of National Press Day (Hari Pers Nasional) 2026, Aceng Syamsul Hadie, S.Sos., M.M, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Central Executive Council (DPP) of ASWIN (Asosiasi Wartawan Internasional / International Journalists Association), extended his warm congratulations to all Indonesian journalists and media professionals while delivering a strong call for the realization of genuine and substantive press freedom in Indonesia.

The statement was delivered by Aceng Syamsul Hadie, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of DPP ASWIN (Asosiasi Wartawan Internasional), a national and international journalists’ association that consistently advocates for press freedom, journalistic integrity, and the protection of media professionals.

Through this official statement, Aceng Syamsul Hadie congratulated the Indonesian press on National Press Day 2026 and urged all stakeholders to collectively liberate journalists from various forms of pressure and injustice, including intimidation, persecution, criminalization, and discrimination.
He emphasized that innovation in media content must go hand in hand with the preservation of journalistic idealism.

The statement was issued on February 9, 2026, coinciding with the national celebration of Hari Pers Nasional 2026.

The message was addressed to the Indonesian press community nationwide, including journalists, editors, media owners, press organizations, policymakers, and the public at large.

According to Aceng Syamsul Hadie, genuine press freedom is a fundamental pillar of democracy. A healthy and independent press, he stated, is essential to creating an informed, critical, and intelligent society.
He warned that persistent challenges—such as intimidation, legal pressure, and economic vulnerability—continue to threaten journalistic independence and professionalism.
He further stressed that while financial sustainability is important for the media industry, editorial independence must remain non-negotiable.

Aceng Syamsul Hadie called on all stakeholders—government institutions, law enforcement agencies, media companies, civil society, and the public—to actively support press freedom by:
Protecting journalists from intimidation, persecution, criminalization, and discrimination
Respecting diversity of opinions and freedom of expression
Strengthening the financial sustainability of media institutions without compromising editorial independence
Encouraging journalism that is inspirational, educational, and solution-oriented

He also emphasized that the press must continue to function as a bridge of communication, a platform for diverse voices, and a driving force for unity amid Indonesia’s social and cultural diversity.
In closing, Aceng Syamsul Hadie reaffirmed that “a healthy press gives birth to an intelligent society.” He expressed hope that Indonesian journalism will continue to answer the challenges of the times through ethical, impactful, and high-quality journalistic works.
“Happy National Press Day 2026. Keep innovating without compromising idealism, and continue to uphold the noble values of journalism,” he concluded.

Salam Satu Pena!

ASH

Editor bjnews media com