Klojen (malangkota.go.id) - In the run-up to and during the regional elections, the role of the media is very large and very much needed. Because it cannot be denied, news or information conveyed through the media will also influence the mindset and understanding of the community. Therefore, journalists who work in a media are expected to be able to present factual news and information, according to the facts, and not cause multiple interpretations.
At least that is what was conveyed by the elected Chairman of the Indonesian Journalists Association (PWI) of Malang Raya for the 2017-2020 period, M. Ariful Huda after the 2018 Malang City Pilkada Socialization event with the theme of the Role of the Media Towards Pilkada Success which was held at the IKIP Budi Utomo Malang hall, Friday (22/12).
According to him, the media or journalists must be in the right place during the Pilkada. Arif emphasized that journalists, especially those under the auspices of the PWI Malang Raya must be able to provide factual information to the public. "Thus, it will help educate the public, and the public can distinguish between what is truly a fact and or a hoax," he said.
In the midst of the advancement of information technology like today, he continued, information is developing very quickly and information comes at any time from various sources even though it is not necessarily true. "Therefore, the media must be able to enlighten the public and not present one-sided information," Arif emphasized.
Separately, one of the Commissioners of the Malang City KPUD, Ashari said that his party had collaborated well with the media crews. "In the future, this good relationship will be maintained, so that all stages scheduled by the KPUD can be conveyed to the public well," he explained.
"If our society is smart and accepts all messages from the KPUD, it will minimize conflict and automatically increase the level of community participation during the regional elections. Therefore, the role of the media is very large and helps determine the success of a democratic party," concluded Ashari. (say/yon)
