Local media still relevant amid algorithm-driven landscape: Ministry

hartono · Jul 31, 2026

Local media still relevant amid algorithm-driven landscape: Ministry

Deputy Minister of Communication and Digital Affairs Nezar Patria. /ANTARA/HO-Kementerian Komunikasi dan Digital.

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Deputy Minister of Communication and Digital Affairs Nezar Patria highlighted the strength of local media outlets in remaining relevant amid a digital landscape increasingly dominated by personalization algorithms competing for users' attention.

"Local media foster more authentic public conversations because they have closer ties to the community. Through local media, we can gain a more comprehensive understanding of various issues before they develop into larger ones," Patria said in a statement received here on Friday.

Discussing the current state of the digital landscape, he pointed out that digital algorithms are designed to capture users' attention and make content increasingly personalized.

According to him, this condition causes internet users, including those in Indonesia, to repeatedly receive similar information without the opportunity to verify its accuracy.

At the same time, the rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI) in generating content instantly poses challenges for both the media industry and the public, as such content may not always be verified and could increase the risk of spreading misleading information.

Therefore, Patria emphasized that professional journalism remains essential as a guardian of facts and public trust.

He said mainstream media have become even more important because they are responsible for prioritizing accuracy, verification, ethics, and credibility in producing news content.

"What we are facing today is not only competition over information but also competition to shape public perception. Therefore, society needs media that operate based on verification rather than merely pursuing virality," he said.

Media outlets that uphold the journalistic code of ethics provide the public with reliable and accountable information, he added.

This is in line with the ministry's policy direction to create a safe, trusted, and high-quality digital space in Indonesia through stronger digital governance, efforts to combat disinformation, improved digital literacy, and the responsible use of AI.