Bappenas moves to strengthen press and media ecosystem in SW Papua

Sorong (ANTARA) - The Ministry of National Development Planning (Bappenas) is formulating a strategy to strengthen the mass media ecosystem in Southwest Papua as part of broader efforts to reinforce democracy, public communication, and community participation in development.

Nuzula Anggeraini, Director for Ideology, National Identity, Politics, and Democracy at Bappenas, said on Friday that strengthening the press and mass media is not only essential for the sustainability of the media industry but also plays a strategic role in improving the quality of democracy and fostering a healthy public sphere.

"A high-quality press is a key prerequisite for ensuring that the public has access to accurate information, civil liberties remain protected, and meaningful public participation in development can take place," Nuzula said while opening a Focus Group Discussion (FGD) on strengthening the press and mass media in Southwest Papua.

She said the initiative is aligned with the government's 2025–2029 National Medium-Term Development Plan (RPJMN), which emphasizes the protection of civil liberties and political rights, social and economic equality, and broader public participation in national development.

According to Nuzula, these development goals require the creation of a credible public communication ecosystem, supported by an independent and professional press capable of delivering accurate, fair, and public-oriented information.

The discussion in Southwest Papua marked the second such forum organized by Bappenas, following a similar event held in December 2025.

She said the discussions form part of the ministry's ongoing efforts to formulate policy recommendations aimed at strengthening Indonesia's press and mass media sector.

Based on field evaluations conducted throughout 2025, Bappenas identified several challenges facing the development of regional media ecosystems, particularly in Southwest Papua.

While the number of local media outlets has grown rapidly, Nuzula said the expansion has not been matched by robust verification mechanisms, sustainable capacity-building programs, or sound media industry governance.

She added that the ongoing digital transformation has also been hindered by inadequate infrastructure, limited supporting equipment, shortages of skilled human resources, and digital security challenges.

"The rapid development of digital technology must be accompanied by stronger media capacity so that news organizations remain professional, transparent, and capable of producing high-quality journalism," she said.

Bappenas also highlighted the sustainability challenges faced by local media organizations, including limited market opportunities and funding sources, which could affect the quality and editorial independence of their reporting.

The ministry identified three key priorities for strengthening the media sector in Southwest Papua: enhancing institutional capacity for media organizations in the newly established province, accelerating digital transformation through improved infrastructure, and promoting the long-term sustainability of local media businesses.

Through the focus group discussion, Bappenas aims to gather input from regional governments, press organizations, academics, media practitioners, and other stakeholders to develop more comprehensive policy recommendations.

The findings will contribute to the formulation of national policies designed to strengthen a professional, independent, and sustainable press and media ecosystem that supports both development and democracy in Indonesia, particularly in Southwest Papua.

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Translator: Lasa, Azis Kurmala

Editor: M Razi Rahman

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