"I would like to congratulate Isaak and thank his daughter Mrs Bethlehem for having received the award on his behalf. I would also like to congratulate all the members of the press and laud the worldwide press freedom," Jokowi said in his speech at the gala dinner during the WPFD, which was held at the Jakarta Convention Center, to hand over the award.
According to him, the role of media was so great in the course of formation of a dynamic democracy.
The challenges faced now by press people around the world are to tackle hoax news or fake news.
Jokowi also requested the mainstream media not to promote hoax news that mislead the public.
Since the reform era, the role of media in Indonesia is also very important in maintaining open governance and combating corruption and political freedom.
"I would like to inform the members of the national press and international press that we cannot (tackle the hoax and fake news) without your participation," the president explained.
Isaak won the award for courage, commitment, and the struggle to defend freedom of speech. His award was received by his daughter Bethlehem Isaak.
Isaak was arrested in Sept 2001 during a riot against the media. His whereabouts are still unknown. (WDY)
