Jakarta (VNA) – Irfan Junaidi, Director of News at the Indonesian national news agency ANTARA, discussed AI's influence on journalism, and potential cooperation between ANTARA and Vietnam News Agency (VNA) on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of Vietnam Revolutionary Press Day (June 21, 1925 - 2025).
Speaking to a VNA correspondent in Jakarta, Junaidi said that in an era where fake news is increasingly prevalent and social media algorithms are shaping the flow of information, the press needs to ensure core professional principles to maintain accuracy and public credibility.
Leaders of Indonesian press agencies have held discussions on how to create timely content and avoid sensational, clickbait articles. The ultimate goal is to provide clear, accurate information without distortion and to avoid the spread of fake news.
Some media outlets get caught up in social media algorithms. They are willing to use sensational headlines to attract views, even though the content is of little value. However, the majority of mainstream and reputable press agencies still maintain the criteria of objectivity and invest in professional training so that journalists work according to the correct procedures and professional ethics.
In Indonesia, the Press Council, an independent non-structural agency, is responsible for monitoring content to ensure objectivity and accuracy, with no distortion, incitement of hatred, or slander. When readers are negatively affected by a news story, they can send a complaint to the council for consideration and handling. It is the presence of professional journalists and this independent monitoring mechanism that have helped the Indonesian press continue to develop in the right direction and maintain professional values in the current digital media era.
Discussing the idea that AI will replace the role of journalists, Junaidi said that the existence of technology or AI has two sides. On the negative side, AI could cause people to believe that quality content can be created without journalists. However, AI can be exploited to create fake news, distort the truth, cause controversies, or manipulate public opinion.
He noted that reporting requires not only data but also perspective, context, and emotion. These factors can only be done by humans, specifically by trained and experienced journalists.
On the positive side, ANTARA's News Director believed that AI will be a powerful support tool to help journalists quickly find data, analyse deeply, and shorten working time. Journalists can use AI as a tool to look up, synthesise, and compare information to create press products that are faster, more comprehensive, and in-depth.
AI cannot "kill" journalism, but can coexist to complement journalism. The data may be the same, but the perspective and stories told by journalists create different values. Humans, with five senses and real-life experiences, are the perfect narrators, ensuring the authenticity and richness of news.
According to Junaidi, in the current context, the two news agencies need to promote and be more creative in cooperation activities to improve the effectiveness of information as the national news agencies of the two countries.
ANTARA and VNA have had an agreement on information exchange cooperation for many years, and continue to cooperate in this field by sharing information and expanding the network, thereby strengthening the media strength of both sides.
Additionally, the two sides can coordinate to deliver joint reports on key issues such as the environment and economy. The outcomes of these projects can be shared with the customer system and readers in each country.
The ANTARA leader also mentioned the possibility that in the future, the two news agencies can design global-scale cooperation programmes or joint media campaigns, demonstrating the comprehensive strategic partnership between Vietnam and Indonesia, as well as the cooperation between the two national news agencies.
He said that the similarities and uniqueness of the two countries, including large population structure, rich resources, and diverse culture, are the foundations for journalists from both sides to tell valuable stories to the world./.
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