TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Indonesian Government Communication Agency (Bakom) has addressed the controversy regarding "homeless media" as official government partners. The term refers to media entities that use social media platforms as their main distribution channels and form a key part of the new media ecosystem.
Kurnia Ramadhana, Acting Deputy of Partnership and Media Relations at Bakom, clarified that the agency views new media as communication partners on par with conventional outlets. Kurnia confirmed that the agency held an audience with the Indonesia New Media Forum (INMF) on Tuesday, May 5, 2026. During this session, he noted, the INMF submitted a document titled "New Media Forum 2026," which mapped various players and participants within the digital industry.
The following day, Bakom held its weekly press conference to discuss its best program, which several homeless media representatives attended. Bakom chief Muhammad Qodari used the occasion to welcome the "New Media Forum," citing dozens of outlets as part of this community.
According to Kurnia, the naming of these outlets during the briefing was based on the document provided by the INMF. "Bakom’s perspective is that new media must be engaged to improve the quality and standards of their content," Kurnia stated in a written release on Friday, May 8, 2026.
Kurnia maintained that Bakom respects the independence of both new and conventional media. The meetings with various digital players, he asserted, were intended only to open communication channels and broaden public access to information. Kurnia emphasized, "There are no contracts, editorial directives, or partnerships that bind specific media to support the government."
Bakom, according to Kurnia, views new media as an integral, independent component of the public information landscape. He further stressed, "There are currently no collaborations or contracts between Bakom and the INMF, or with any of the entities mentioned in the INMF document."
Kurnia added that Bakom remains open to criticism, corrections, and the "cover both sides" journalistic process essential to a healthy democracy. "If there are mentions or framings that have caused public misunderstanding, it is a matter of concern to be corrected," he said.
Separately, the INMF Committee explained that the list of names mentioned by Qodari was merely part of an industry mapping exercise. The committee pointed out that several of the outlets mentioned are not even official members of the forum.
The new media community stated that it is currently strengthening its internal governance to ensure the forum remains accountable and transparent. During this process, the INMF clarified that it has not yet opened formal membership or entered into official partnerships with any external party.
"We regret the mention of these media outlets in the press conference, which caused misunderstandings that they have become partners of Bakom," the committee stated on Thursday, May 7, 2026. Wahyu Aji of Good News From Indonesia (GNFI), an INMF representative, authorized Tempo to cite the statement.
The INMF further emphasized that it holds no commitments or agreements with the government agency. Regarding the meeting, the forum described it as a simple dialogue to exchange perspectives on the digital ecosystem. "We engage similarly with mass media, academics, public figures, and various communities," the INMF stated.
The committee asserted that independence is the primary asset of the new media community, noting that without public trust, their existence is meaningless. "Therefore, the INMF is committed to promoting a media ecosystem that serves the public interest, upholds transparency, and maintains a responsible information space," the committee wrote.
The controversy began on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, when Muhammad Qodari announced that the government was inviting homeless media affiliated with the INMF as partners. Qodari suggested the move was intended to expand the reach of government communications beyond conventional media channels.
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