The press is part of the fourth pillar of democracy. Yet in practice, today’s media landscape faces a dilemma amid rapid digitalization and shifting patterns in how society accesses information. At the same time, press protection remains limited, including for student press. Student journalism serves as a space where critical thinking develops and individuals who stand with marginalized communities emerge.
Tempo journalist Francischa Christy, widely known as Chicha, explained that the situation and standing of the press today are far from easy. From confronting law enforcement to enduring pressure against critical reporting, challenges persist.
“These pressures take many forms, including the shutting down of the media’s business functions. But for us, integrity is the most valuable thing,” she said during a seminar titled Reorientasi Pers Mahasiswa held on Saturday (Nov. 1) at the 4th Floor Auditorium of the UGM Faculty of Social and Political Sciences (Fisipol UGM).
According to Chicha, this situation poses a serious challenge for both the mainstream press and student press to consistently uphold truth. Today’s restrictions on news dissemination (often referred to as self-censorship) have become a significant obstacle for journalists.
She emphasized that pressure exerted by the government or financial backers can influence the direction of reporting. Acts of self-censorship obscure existing facts and, as a result, can lead to democratic failure.
“The danger is that the public will be confronted with news that does not reflect reality,” she added.
Founder of Project Multatuli, Evi Mariani, stated that press freedom in the country remains very limited. She noted that over five years, from 2014 to 2019, there were five cases of pressure on student press organizations, all initiated by university rectorates. This underscores the lack of protection for student journalists.
Evi expressed hope that student press organizations will continue to be a space where critical thought thrives and individuals who defend marginalized groups are formed.
“I hope that in the coming years, student journalists here will remain consistent in their critical stance,” she said.
Meanwhile, cultural expert Taufik Rahzen discussed the history of the Indonesian press, beginning from the Negarakertagama era, through Tirto Adhi Soerjo, and to Tan Malaka. Drawing on these figures, he emphasized that what Indonesia needs from its press today is imagination and trust.
“The primary task of the press is to build imagination and foster trust within society,” he stated.
Such imagination, he stressed, is essential for the student press. He believes that student journalism exists to freely express diverse ideas without fear of being wrong.
Editor-in-Chief of BPPM Balairung, Aghli Maula Hasby, questioned the role of student press, which is often described as the voice of the grassroots despite belonging to a privileged, educated group.
“By recognizing the sovereignty of every subject, the student press no longer becomes a representation of anything. It exists simply as a humble reporter ready to serve as a channel for every voice. As long as student journalists continue to see themselves as saviors, driven by acute narcissism, instead of correcting exclusive and exploitative work cultures, they will continue to perpetuate oppression,” he said.
Author: Salwa
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Post-editor: Rajendra Arya