The Development of the Press in Indonesia and Its Role in Cultural Preservation

The press has developed rapidly over a long period and has become one of the important pillars in society. The press in Indonesia has existed since the 17th century. At that time, Indonesia was still known as the Dutch East Indies. The first newspaper in the Dutch East Indies was the Bataviasche Nouvelles. However, newspapers at that time did not meet the needs of the community, especially the indigenous people, as they were largely managed by the Dutch themselves. 

Initially, the circulating newspapers only contained advertisements. However, over time, newspapers began to include information or news. The first newspaper owned by indigenous people in Indonesia was established by Tirto Adhi Soerjo (Father of National Press) in the 19th century. Through the media he founded, the press began to serve as a voice for the indigenous people. 

Besides Tirto Adhi Soerjo, Marco Kartodikromo, who was a student of Tirto, is also known for using the press as a tool in his struggle against the Dutch. Although Marco did not have a high level of education, he had a great interest in journalism. Both became famous figures for their bravery in opposing Dutch colonialism.

At that time, the press in Indonesia was still dominated by print media. The development of broadcasting media such as radio and television began shortly after Indonesia's independence. The presence of these two broadcasting media made the dissemination of information much faster and broader in reach compared to print media. 

Entering the digital era, the emergence of online media began with Tempo Interaktif in 1996, followed by Detik.com, Kompas Cyber Media, Astaga.com, Lippostar.com, and various other media. This marked a new step for the press in expanding its audience reach.

In this modern era, the role of the press is not only to convey information and news but also to be responsible for preserving and nurturing cultural values. Thus, the role of the press becomes increasingly important and crucial.  This is due to the many influences of foreign cultures that easily enter Indonesia. Consequently, these foreign cultures can influence mindsets, lifestyles, and many Indonesians may forget their own cultural heritage. 

“The influence of foreign cultures presents a unique challenge for the press in maintaining and preserving Indonesian culture. Therefore, the press plays an important role in introducing and educating the public about the preservation of national culture. Through the expansion of information reach to a global level, the press can introduce the richness of Indonesian culture to the public through strong narratives about art, traditions, customs, and the history of the nation.”

In the midst of an information flood, the press faces greater challenges in strengthening its writing. The influence of foreign cultures and competition among media compel the press to present quality content that attracts audiences.

Therefore, the press is expected to continue to develop in terms of both quality and quantity. Additionally, the quality of the audience is also important to improve, including the level of public literacy. With a high level of literacy, the public can be more critical in digesting the information they receive. In this way, the press and the public can support each other.

In line with the challenges and roles of the press in the modern era, National Press Day (HPN) 2026 carries the theme “Healthy Press, Sovereign Economy, Strong Nation.” This theme emphasizes the importance of a professional, integrity-driven, and sustainable press in supporting national development, including in maintaining democracy and cultural preservation. A healthy press is not only capable of presenting accurate and balanced information but also plays an active role in strengthening national identity amidst globalization and the influence of foreign cultures.

Through this theme, it is hoped that the Indonesian press can continue to be a space for public education, social oversight, and a medium that records and disseminates the richness of the archipelago's culture. With the support of a public that has a high level of literacy, the press and the public can mutually strengthen each other in creating a healthy information ecosystem, building cultural awareness, and maintaining national sovereignty in the ever-evolving digital era.