February 26, 2026 | 11:57 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Indonesian Press Council is preparing to clarify its stance on how the trade agreement between Indonesia and the United States could affect the country’s media sector. The council, which oversees dozens of Indonesian media organizations, held a closed meeting on Thursday afternoon, February 26, 2026, to discuss its position.
Vice Chairperson Totok Suryanto said the meeting gathered input from leaders of journalist organizations on the potential impact of the Reciprocal Trade Agreement (ART).
“What we discussed today is a form of anticipation regarding the possible challenges we may face if the agreement is implemented,” Totok told reporters at the Press Council office in Jakarta.
Concerns center on Article 3.3 of the ART, which the Publisher Rights Committee flagged as potentially problematic. According to their assessment, the article no longer requires US-based digital platforms to support Indonesia’s domestic press industry through paid licensing agreements or profit-sharing arrangements.
The text of Article 3.3 stipulates that Indonesia must consult the United States before entering new digital trade agreements with other countries that could threaten American interests.
Under the provision, Indonesia cannot mandate US digital service providers to financially support domestic news organizations, share data, or engage in revenue-sharing models.
Totok clarified that the Press Council has not yet decided whether it will formally reject or request revisions to the agreement.
The council is awaiting a detailed explanation from the Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs, the government’s representative in the trade talks. Officials from both the Press Council and the ministry are scheduled to meet and break their fast together on Friday, February 27, 2026.
The council emphasized that Indonesia already has Presidential Regulation Number 32 of 2024, which outlines the responsibilities of digital platform companies to support quality journalism.
The regulation enables media companies to negotiate with platforms to secure rights and revenues from the commercialization of content.
Totok stressed that the government should prioritize the national press when signing policies, particularly as many media organizations face operational and financial pressures.
“We have seen many media companies close and journalists laid off, which is worrying for the health of our democracy,” he said.
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