KOTA SERANG (Banten, Jakarta): Every journalist must prioritise credibility and integrity in facing the challenges of transformation in the world of journalism, said Utusan Borneo Sabah Editor-in-Chief, Datuk Lichong Angkui.
He said this is crucial to safeguarding the journalism ecosystem as a source of authentic and reliable information, while ensuring it remains relevant.
“By placing credibility and integrity as top priorities, it will strengthen the quality of journalism and enhance public trust.
“This is because when the public obtains information from authoritative and trusted media, it helps further nurture the field of journalism,” he said after a meeting with the President of the Indonesia–Malaysia Journalists Friendship Association (ISWAMI) Indonesia, Asro Kamal Rokan, here today.
The ISWAMI Malaysia delegation, led by Acting President Datuk Ahmad Zaini Kamaruzzaman, was invited to Banten in conjunction with Indonesia’s National Press Day (HPN) 2026.
Lichong, who is also an Administrative Council Member of ISWAMI Malaysia, said newspaper journalists are now facing challenges due to the rapid development of social media across the globe.
In this regard, he said it is necessary for mainstream media journalists to maintain the momentum of true journalism through reporting that is honest, balanced and responsible.
He said digital transformation now poses major challenges to mainstream media, but it should not be used as an excuse to set aside ethics in reporting.
“We must not be swept away by the trend of chasing speed in disseminating information, because verification must come first,” he said.
He reminded that journalists do not merely function as conveyors of information, but more importantly must serve as pillars of democracy, maintaining a balance between the government and the people.
Therefore, he said, it is important for journalists to write based on facts, while being honest, balanced and responsible.
Lichong also praised the theme of HPN 2026, ‘Pers Sehat, Ekonomi Berdaulat, Bangsa Kuat’ (Healthy Press, Sovereign Economy, Strong Nation), describing it as highly relevant in the current era of digitalisation.
He said that through the practice of healthy media, it will certainly strengthen economic development and, in turn, reinforce the identity of the nation and the state.
