REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, PADANG -- President Joko Widodo highlighted the increasing significance of the press amid the advancements in digital technology and the potential of hoax spread in the community. He believed that in the era of technological advancements, information and hoax exist in abundance.

"Hence, the press is increasingly needed," the president noted during a speech at the commemoration of National Press Day at Cimpago Lake, Padang Beach, West Sumatra Province, on Friday.

Amid the competition to spread information through social media, Widodo stated that mass media is increasingly needed to deliver truth and facts and highlight the aspirations of the public. He remarked that the media also plays a role in developing the civilization and new culture in society.

In the midst of Industry 4.0, or the fourth industrial revolution that utilizes digital technology, computing power, and data analysis, press helps to spread new innovations in the community. "If we do not want to be abandoned, we must immediately know and understand several innovations that are produced in this era," he pointed out.

Several officials attending the event included Minister of Communication and Information Rudiantara, Minister of Education and Culture Muhadjir Efendi, Agrarian and Spatial Planning Minister Sofyan Djalil, Commander of the Indonesian Military Marshal Hadi Tjahjanto, and Indonesian National Police Chief Gen. Tito Karnavian.

A guest reads Republika Daily Newspaper ahead of the commemoration of National Press Day (HPN) 2018, in Padang City, West Sumatra, Friday (Feb 9).

Moreover, several media leaders present at the event were Director of Indonesian National News Agency of Antara Meidyatama Suryodiningrat, Editor-in-Chief of RCTI Atika Suri, and Editor-in-Chief of Metro TV Donbosco Selamun, and Chairman of Indonesian Journalists Association Margiono, who is also in charge of the implementation of the event, among others.

Some ambassadors of friendly countries in attendance were from Kazakhstan, Malaysia, New Zealand, the Philippines, Iran, Cuba, the Czech Republic, Laos, Greece, Italy, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Colombia, Myanmar, Austria, Japan, and the United States.

Pasambahan Dance performed at the commemoration of National Press Day (HPN) 2018, in Padang City, West Sumatra, Friday (Feb 9).

Earlier, on Thursday, Widodo had handed over a land certificate to the heir of Indonesian press pioneer Djamaluddin Adinegoro for the construction of the Adinegoro Museum.

The museum will house lessons and values of journalism that Adinegoro has instilled for the development of Indonesian press and literature.

During the handover ceremony, Widodo also expressed hope that journalists would further explore in-depth information and present news that motivates the people.

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