Ambon – Press Council Chairperson Ninik Rahayu has criticised President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo for inviting a number of art activists and social media influencers to visit to the new national capital (IKN) Nusantara in East Kalimantan last Sunday, July 28.
"I was surprised why the president came yesterday to the IKN and invited YouTubers and influencers. He should have invited the press, please, they can see clearly, actually see all the comprehensive policies of the IKN so the public knows all about the new capital city”, she said when opening a worship titled Covering the General Elections and Election of Regional Heads in Maluku Province, Ambon, on Thursday August 1.
Rahayu said inviting journalists was far more important than art activists and influencers. Because, she said, reporters can use journalistic principles, work democratically and professionally.
Furthermore, she said that journalists could present high quality news about the new capital city of the archipelago. "We are were confused when the president went to the IKN and those invited were instead influencers", she said.
She then invited journalists taking part in the workshop in Maluku to dedicate maximum interest in development in Maluku as part of national development.
She also said she hoped that the election of regional heads in Maluku will bring with it a more conducive life so that the press ecosystem can be healthy and the communities’ quality of life further improved.
President Widodo invited a number of art activists and influencers during a working visit to the IKN Nusantara on Sunday.
Among then were Raffi Ahmad, Nagita Slavina, Irwansayah, Zaskia Sungkar, Atta Halilintar, Aurel Hermansyah, Sintya Marisca, Ferry Maryadi, Gading Marten, Poppy Sovia, Willie Salim, Meicy Villia and Dian Ayu Lestari.
Jokowi invited the influencers to review the state of the construction work on of the IKN toll road using a motorbike convoy. He then inaugurated the Balang Island Bridge in North Penajam Paser regency.
They then visited the IKN to see the progress of the construction of the new Presidential Palace, and ended the visit by dinning together in the Glamping area. (sai/wis)
[Translated by James Balowski. The original title of the article was " Dewan Pers Kritik Jokowi Ajak Influencer ke IKN Ketimbang Wartawan".]
