Indonesia takes a significant stride in bolstering its media landscape with the introduction of publisher rights regulation aimed at enhancing the quality and integrity of journalism across the nation. President Joko Widodo’s recent endorsement of Presidential Decree (Perpres) Number 32 of 2024 signals a proactive approach towards fortifying the pillars of responsible journalism and ensuring the sustainability of media institutions in the digital age. So, what are the detailed explanations about this policy? Let’s explore the following article.
Joko Widodo (Jokowi), established Presidential Regulation (Perpres) Number 32 of 2024 concerning the Responsibility of Digital Platform Companies to Support Quality Journalism or Publisher Rights Perpres. The President stated that the issuance of regulations accessible on the JDIH Cabinet Secretariat website is one of the government’s efforts to realize quality journalism and the sustainability of conventional media industries in the country.
“After a long time, after going through lengthy debates, finally yesterday I signed the Presidential Regulation concerning the Responsibility of Digital Platform Companies to Support Quality Journalism, or what we know as Publisher Rights Perpres,” said the President at the Peak Commemoration of National Press Day (HPN) 2024, Tuesday (20/02/2024), at Ecoventional Hall, Ecopark, Ancol, Jakarta, as quoted from Sekretariat Kabinet republik Indonesia.
The President stated that this policy went through a very lengthy consideration process to be approved, starting from differences of opinion, differences in aspirations, consideration of implications, to pressures from various parties.
“After there began to be points of agreement, there began to be points of convergence, coupled with continuous urging from the Press Council, representatives of press companies, and media association representatives, finally yesterday I signed the Perpres,” the President said.
In his address, President Widodo lauded the collaborative efforts that culminated in the formulation and approval of the decree. He emphasized the exhaustive consultations and meticulous considerations undertaken to ensure that the regulation aligns with the nation’s aspirations for a robust and accountable media ecosystem.
Understanding Publisher Rights in Indonesia
At the heart of the decree lies the concept of publisher rights, which serves as a regulatory framework governing the dissemination of news content by digital platforms. The Ministry of Communication and Information Technology (Kominfo) elaborated on the multifaceted nature of these rights, emphasizing their instrumental role in distinguishing between authentic news and misleading information.
Publisher rights are also aimed at preventing content that is likely to contain hoaxes (fake news), misinformation, and disinformation. Publisher rights are regulations that govern the responsibility of global digital platforms, such as Facebook, Google, and Instagram, to provide appropriate feedback on news content by local or national media. The main essence of publisher rights is rules regarding news content owned by local or national media, which are often curated by global platforms.
Meanwhile, regarding this policy in Indonesia, the related provisions have just been enshrined in Presidential Decree Number 32 of 2024 concerning the Responsibility of Digital Platform Companies to Support Quality Journalism.
President Widodo reiterated the government’s unwavering commitment to nurturing quality journalism and preserving the vibrancy of the media industry. He underscored the imperative of fostering equitable cooperation between press entities and digital platforms, emphasizing the need for a transparent and accountable media landscape.
“We endeavor to establish a level playing field and a transparent framework for collaboration between press companies and digital platforms,” President Widodo reiterated, reaffirming the government’s dedication to promoting journalistic integrity and public trust in the media.
Implementation and Anticipated Challenges
While heralding the decree’s enactment as a landmark achievement, President Widodo emphasized the importance of meticulous implementation and vigilant oversight. He urged stakeholders to remain vigilant and proactive in addressing potential challenges that may arise during the transitional phase, including responses from digital platforms and user communities.
In parallel, the government is actively exploring avenues to bolster the resilience of domestic press companies, including initiatives to allocate government advertising expenditure for press entities. President Widodo assured content creators of the government’s unwavering support for their endeavors, affirming that the decree’s implementation would not impede their collaborations with digital platforms.
The President also emphasized that the Perpres is not intended to reduce press freedom or regulate press content. In this Perpres, the government regulates the business relationship between press companies and digital platforms to improve quality journalism.
“I also need to remind about the implementation of this Perpres. We still have to anticipate the risks that may occur, especially during the transitional period of implementing this Perpres, both in terms of responses from digital platforms and responses from service users,” said the President.
As for content creators in Indonesia, the President asked them not to worry about the official enactment of the Publisher Rights Perpres. The President stated that the Perpres does not apply to content creators. The implementation of this Perpres itself will begin six months after it is enacted.
Response to Publisher Rights in Indonesia
The issuance of this regulation has received various responses from various parties. However, the responses that emerged mostly expressed support. The General Chairperson of the Indonesian Cyber Media Association (AMSI), Wahyu Dhyatmika, is optimistic that this policy will pave the way for equal business negotiations between digital platform companies and digital media publishers in Indonesia.
“The implementation of this regulation will have a significant impact on AMSI members. Several media outlets that have long had content licensing agreements with digital platforms will gain revenue certainty,” said Wahyu in a written statement, quoted from Tempo, Tuesday, February 20, 2024.
As for media outlets that have not yet had agreements with platforms—provided they are already verified by the Press Council—they can start negotiating a mutually beneficial business relationship. Agreements can be made by each media individually or collectively.
In conclusion, Indonesia’s adoption of publisher rights represents a significant leap forward in its quest to foster a dynamic and responsible media landscape. With the government’s resolute commitment to promoting journalistic excellence and ensuring the integrity of media institutions, the nation is poised to chart a course towards a future where quality journalism serves as a cornerstone of informed public discourse and societal progress.
Through collaborative efforts and sustained dedication, Indonesia endeavors to uphold the principles of press freedom and transparency, thereby enriching its democratic fabric and empowering its citizens with accurate and reliable information.
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