Not Just a Reporter of Events, Mayor: The Press Is the Foundation of Healthy Public Reason

CIREBON, Konntroversinews | In the midst of an increasingly noisy flow of digital information, the press is required to stand tall beyond its function as a mere reporter of events. A press that is professional and has integrity is now an urgent need as the main foundation for healthy public reasoning. This was the central message in the 2026 Cirebon City National Press Day (HPN) commemoration ceremony which was held in the courtyard of Cirebon City Hall, Monday (9/2/2026).

The Mayor of Cirebon, Effendi Edo, emphasized that press credibility is society’s last bastion so that it does not get lost in the maze of disinformation. According to him, in an era where hoaxes are easily produced, the presence of verified journalistic products is a filter and a light that keeps society from getting trapped in divisive narratives.

“A press that is professional and has integrity is not just a reporter of events, but is the main foundation for healthy public reasoning. We are reminded that the press has a big responsibility as a pillar of democracy. The presence of a credible press acts as a filter so that the public is not trapped in disinformation,” said the Mayor in his address.

Interestingly, this year’s HPN commemoration made new history in the city of Cirebon. For the first time, the Cirebon City Government held an official ceremony with all members of the press. The Mayor expressed high appreciation for the reading of the Press Pledge by journalists, which he viewed as a moral promise to present real facts and stay away from hoaxes in order to strengthen public trust.

“Thank God, this year may be the first time we will hold an official ceremony with the Cirebon City Government. I want this to become a routine agenda every year, God willing, next year will be even more lively. With this pledge, the aim is that the level of public trust in the press will be even stronger through correct reporting,” added the Mayor.

On the same occasion, the Mayor also positioned the press as a strategic partner who has a dual role. On the one hand, the press is expected to be a mouthpiece for government development programs to the public in an educational manner.

“The government remains open to sharp criticism as long as it is based on data as material for bureaucratic evaluation in improving public services,” he stressed.

In line with this spirit of collaboration, the Chairman of PWI Cirebon City, Alif Santosa, emphasized the importance of the pentahelix synergy concept in developing the region, in accordance with the HPN 2026 theme, namely “Healthy Press, Sovereign Economy, Strong Nation.”

“Pentahelix collaboration is a source of our strength. Today we have proven that the press is not only present in written form, but also in real action through social service, blood donations, and free health checks,” said Alif.

Alif also explained that HPN 2026 in Cirebon City will be enlivened with a series of activities that touch various levels of society. Starting from post-Ramadan national discussions, inter-institutional futsal tournaments to foster togetherness, Kartini Day poetry reading competitions, to journalism schools for high school and university students.

To conclude the series of ceremonies, a discussion was also held with the OJK entitled “Financial Intelligence in the Digital Era”. This step was taken as a concrete response from the press in educating citizens so that they do not fall prey to illegal investments.

“The HPN 2026 ceremony is a symbol that in Cirebon City, the press and government are working together not only to report news, but to build a sovereign civilization and economy,” he concluded. (Susmiati)