Jakarta, 6 February 2026 – Deputy Minister of Creative Economy/Deputy Head of the Creative Economy Agency Irene Umar stated that the Ministry of Creative Economy consistently supports healthy journalism that carries out its social control function in a responsible manner.
Deputy Minister of Creative Economy Irene Umar delivered remarks at the pre–National Press Day 2026 event, which featured a discussion and a joint screening of the documentary film “Roehana Koeddoes” at The Plaza Auditorium, IDN HQ, Jakarta, on Friday (6/2/2026).
In addition, Deputy Minister of Creative Economy Irene Umar emphasized the importance of continuing the struggle of Indonesia’s first female journalist, Roehana Koeddoes, in advancing Indonesian women through education and skills development. Journalism with integrity, she noted, is an integral part of truthful information, a guardian of accuracy, and a key pillar of democracy.
The statement was delivered by Irene during the opening of the discussion and joint screening of the documentary film “Roehana Koeddoes”, where she was accompanied by Head of the Bureau for Communication of the Ministry of Creative Economy, Kiagoos Irvan Faisal.
“Journalistic ethics are of utmost importance. Anyone can serve as a guardian of journalistic integrity to ensure that public information is conveyed accurately and truthfully. Our hope is that we can deliver news—or whatever information is out there—that is grounded in conscience and truth,” emphasized Deputy Minister of Creative Economy Irene in her remarks at The Plaza Auditorium, IDN HQ, Jakarta, on Friday (6/2).
Photo: Bureau for Communication, Ministry of Creative Economy/Creative Economy Agency.
Integrity in journalism is a noble responsibility, as the media or press continually seeks truth, uncovers reality, and delivers facts. This legacy is embodied by Roehana Koeddoes, who used journalism as a means of enlightenment and social change, and whose contributions were recognized when she was declared a national hero in 2019.
“It is somewhat difficult to measure the exact number of journalists today. However, approximately 25 percent of journalists are women, occupying spaces of information. In the era of digitalization, the role of female journalists becomes even more vital by bringing empathetic elements to their writing. Let us continue the efforts inspired by the spirit pioneered by Roehana Koeddoes,” stated Minister of Communication and Digital Affairs Meutya Hafid.
In line with this statement, Deputy Minister of Creative Economy Irene also emphasized that truthful information always exists when it is guided by conscience and a sincere intention to advance the well-being of others. This aligns with the words of President Prabowo Subianto: “As fellow human beings, let’s make it a better world!”
Photo: Bureau for Communication, Ministry of Creative Economy/Creative Economy Agency.
“Here, we commemorate what Roehana Koeddoes has accomplished since 1911. She fought with heart to improve the lives of the women around her, and this reflects a truly noble intention. Every work she produced came from sincere devotion and continues to inspire future generations toward Indonesia Emas 2045,” added Deputy Minister of Creative Economy Irene.
Roehana Koeddoes is also known for establishing the Yayasan Amal Setia on 11 February 1991 in Koto Gadang, aimed at empowering women, as well as founding the first women’s newspaper, Sunting Melayu. Beyond literacy, she educated women in skills such as sewing, embroidery, lace-making, and weaving to advance emancipation and economic independence for women of her time.
“The greatest legacy of Roehana Koeddoes is the belief that the pen and mind of any woman, from anywhere, can drive change. Today, that pen and mind are in our hands, and it is up to us how we use them,” concluded Trini Tambu, Chair of Yayasan Amal Setia.
Photo: Bureau for Communication, Ministry of Creative Economy/Creative Economy Agency.
Ahead of National Press Day 2026, IDN Times initiated a discussion and joint screening of the documentary film “Roehana Koeddoes” in collaboration with Yayasan Amal Setia and the Indonesian Women Journalists Forum (FJPI).
Also in attendance were the Chair of the Indonesian Press Council for the 2025–2028 period, Komaruddin Hidayat; Chief Operating Officer (COO) of IDN, William Utomo; Editor-in-Chief of IDN Times, Uni Lubis; and Head of Operations at Hatta Foundation, Halida Hatta.
Kiagoos Irvan Faisal
Head of Bureau for Communication
Ministry of Creative Economy/Creative Economy Agency
