ANTARA Chief Calls for Presidential Mandate to Combat Surge in Digital Disinformation
President Director of the ANTARA National News Agency, Benny Siga Butarbutar, has issued an urgent call for systemic reform in how Indonesia manages the threat of digital misinformation. Speaking following a fiscal hearing with Commission VII of the House of Representatives (DPR RI) in Jakarta, Benny emphasized that the rapid evolution of information technology has created a state of instability, making the spread of hoaxes a critical national security concern. He stressed that individual media efforts are no longer sufficient to stem the tide of falsehoods that threaten democratic integrity and public trust.
To address these vulnerabilities, Benny is advocating for the issuance of a formal presidential regulation specifically designed to empower and coordinate state-owned media outlets. By providing a clear legal framework and structured authority, such a regulation would enable state media to lead a unified front against systemic disinformation campaigns. Benny argued that institutionalizing these anti-hoax efforts is essential to safeguarding media civility and ensuring that the public has reliable, verified access to information in an increasingly fragmented digital landscape.
The proposed strategy extends beyond mere bilateral cooperation between state-owned entities. Benny outlined a vision for an integrated ecosystem that bridges the gap between state-owned outlets, independent domestic media, and international news agencies. By forming these strategic alliances, ANTARA aims to create a formidable defense network capable of debunking digital falsehoods in real-time. This collaborative model, he noted, is the only viable path forward for maintaining the stability of the national information space under the pressures of the modern digital era.
Despite the heavy burden of addressing widespread misinformation, Benny assured lawmakers that ANTARA remains committed to journalistic innovation. During the parliamentary session, it was agreed that state-owned broadcasters must prioritize creativity to maximize the reach and impact of their reporting while operating within existing budgetary constraints. This directive reflects a broader goal of maintaining high professional standards while expanding the news agency’s ability to engage audiences across diverse digital platforms, ensuring that factual reporting remains relevant and accessible to all citizens.
The push for a more robust anti-disinformation policy comes at a time of significant financial prosperity for the news agency. In his report to the DPR RI, Benny highlighted a marked improvement in ANTARA’s performance throughout the 2025 fiscal year. The agency reported a substantial increase in operating revenue, climbing to Rp500.47 billion (approximately US$31.28 million) from the previous year’s figure of Rp453.93 billion. This growth underscores the organization’s operational resilience and its capacity to sustain complex, large-scale media operations while adapting to shifting market demands.
Beyond its journalistic contributions, ANTARA continues to act as a vital contributor to the state’s financial stability. During the 2025 period, the agency fulfilled its fiscal responsibilities with a tax payment totaling Rp69.64 billion, encompassing value-added tax (VAT), income tax (PPh), and various regional levies. As the organization aligns its future reporting agenda with national priorities—such as President Prabowo’s “Asta Cita” vision—ANTARA intends to leverage this financial health to solidify its position as the nation’s primary bulwark against disinformation and a champion of objective, high-quality journalism.
