Editors' Forum Holds 'Press for the Public' Run, Highlights Trust Crisis and Aid for Missing Journalists

The Indonesian Editors' Forum (Forum Pemred) again held a running event titled FP Run for Good Journalism 2026 at the Unika Atma Jaya Campus in Jakarta on Sunday (18/10). Carrying the theme "Press for the Public", the second edition of the event was not merely a group workout but an open campaign to nurture public trust in quality journalism.

The event was attended by Minister of Communication and Digital Affairs Meutya Hafid, Deputy Minister of Komdigi Angga Raka Prabowo, Press Council Chairman Komaruddin Hidayat, and a number of media stakeholders. The presence of state officials within the press community signaled that the issue of public trust in the media is no longer an internal newsroom matter but a cross-sector agenda requiring collaboration.

In her remarks, Meutya stressed that the theme was relevant to journalism's core task: presenting information that has gone through layers of verification. According to her, the public deserves accurate news, not merely fast news. She also highlighted the importance of a mutually reinforcing media ecosystem amid the flood of social media content.

"The point of running is that we want to be healthy. This reminds us that the journalism industry must also stay healthy amid the onslaught of difficult challenges," Meutya said, as conveyed at the event.

Echoing that, Angga Raka Prabowo recalled the press's strategic role as a filter of information. Amid a noisy digital space, journalists are seen as increasingly necessary so that the public does not get lost in a sea of information that is not necessarily true.

Forum Pemred Chair Retno Pinasti explained the reason behind the choice of the theme "Press for the Public". She said public doubt had recently emerged over the integrity of mainstream media, especially matters widely discussed on social media. Yet precisely amid a storm of disinformation and clashing opinions, the press's position as verifier becomes ever more crucial.

"The press must be able to check which information matches the facts and which is a hoax. That role cannot be replaced," said the Editor-in-Chief of SCTV and Indosiar.

Through this activity, Forum Pemred seeks to bring the press community closer to the public while absorbing public aspirations about what needs to be improved in journalism today. A more open approach is seen as important to rebuild the bridge between the media and its audience.

Organizing Committee Chair Masirom detailed that 500 people took part. The number reflects the enthusiasm of the press community and the public to celebrate healthy journalism. Yet behind the festivity, there was grief to be remembered. Forum Pemred provided aid to five families of journalists who went missing while on assignment covering the eruption of Anak Gunung Krakatau last September. The gesture served as a reminder that the journalism profession carries real risks, especially when covering natural disasters.

Press Council Chairman Komaruddin Hidayat said the activity was beneficial for physical fitness and mental health. Yet the statement can be read further: the health of the press industry also needs to be maintained, not just the physical health of its journalists. Pressure on the media comes from many directions, from technological disruption and economic pressure to the polarization of public opinion.

In the Indonesian context, the event reflects that the national press is trying to respond to the trust crisis in a more human way. Rather than dwelling on internal debates, Forum Pemred chose to go to the public, build closeness, and open space for dialogue. The step aligns with the spirit of information openness mandated by the Press Law, while also answering the challenge of a fast-paced digital era.

Going forward, the success of campaigns like this cannot be measured merely by the number of participants or media coverage. What matters more is whether the public truly feels the benefit: clearer information, a healthier public space, and trust that slowly recovers. If not, this running event will be just an annual ceremony without structural impact on the national media ecosystem.