Indonesian Agency Denies Contracts with 'Homeless Media' for Government Support

The Badan Komunikasi Pemerintah (Bakom) RI has issued a clear statement refuting claims of any formal contracts or editorial directives aimed at securing government support from 'homeless media.' This clarification comes in response to a polemic surrounding the government's engagement with new media entities, particularly those that primarily operate on social media platforms. Bakom, through its Acting Deputy III for Partnership and Media Relations, Kurnia Ramadhana, stressed that while they view new media as a vital communication partner akin to conventional media, there are no binding agreements for endorsement.

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Pandangan Bakom, new media perlu dijangkau agar dapat meningkatkan kualitas dan standar supaya produknya makin berkualitas.

Bakom confirmed its engagement with the Indonesia New Media Forum (INMF) on May 5, 2026, during which the INMF provided a document listing various new media players. Subsequently, Bakom held a press conference where these 'homeless media' were mentioned. Kurnia Ramadhana explained that the mention was based on the document provided by INMF and aimed at acknowledging the evolving media landscape. The agency's stance is that new media needs to be engaged to enhance the quality and standards of information dissemination, thereby improving the overall product.

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Tidak ada kontrak, arahan editorial, maupun bentuk kemitraan yang mengikat media tertentu untuk mendukung pemerintah.

Crucially, Bakom asserts that it respects the independence of both new and conventional media. The interactions with new media players are framed as efforts to open communication channels and broaden public access to information, rather than to forge partnerships that compromise editorial integrity. Kurnia Ramadhana explicitly stated, “There is no contract, editorial direction, or any form of partnership that binds specific media to support the government.” This declaration is intended to quell any speculation about undue influence or preferential treatment.

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Saat ini tidak ada kerja sama atau kontrak apapun antara Bakom dengan INMF atau dengan salah satu dari new media yang tertulis dalam dokumen INMF.

Furthermore, Bakom acknowledges that public statements might sometimes lead to misunderstandings. The agency has pledged to address and rectify any framing or mentions that cause confusion, demonstrating a commitment to transparency and accountability. The Committee of the Indonesia New Media Forum also clarified that the listed media were part of an ecosystem mapping and not necessarily official INMF members, reinforcing the idea that the engagement was broad and exploratory. From an Indonesian perspective, this situation highlights the dynamic relationship between government communication and the burgeoning new media landscape, emphasizing the need for clear boundaries and mutual respect for independence.

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Jika terdapat penyebutan atau framing yang menimbulkan kesalahpahaman di ruang publik, hal tersebut menjadi perhatian untuk diperbaiki.