By: Arif Rahman )*
National stability is a stable or conducive situation both in the socio-cultural fields of politics, government, security, economy, trade, etc., so that the government can run well and government programs and policies can be implemented optimally.
The press has a strategic role in social life. History records that the press in Indonesia, especially among journalists, is a patriot of the nation along with the pioneers of movements in various parts of the country who are struggling to abolish colonialism.
During the movement, journalists even took on two roles at the same time, as press activists who carried out the tasks of reporting to raise national awareness and as political activists who involved themselves directly in the activities of building popular resistance against colonialism.
Both of these have one goal, namely to realize the independence of the nation and state of Indonesia, after the Proclamation of Indonesian independence on August 17, 1945.
But in this digital era, the press faces a question, is the press still needed? especially with the many social media accounts that present news.
The answer is the press is still needed, it can even be said to be increasingly necessary. The digital age allows hoax news to spread quickly in seconds. The more even use of social media (social media) also allows news of hoaxes to be massive.
The spread of mixed hoaxes makes it difficult for people to distinguish between false news and actual news. We certainly agree that hoax news is a serious threat to a country, only because of hoax riots between groups can occur.
Of course there are many ways to fight hoax news, but one thing that is certain is the importance of true news presence, and this is where the role of the press is demanded to provide true news as a reference for the public in digesting news.
Without the correct news as a reference, the public will be trapped in the wrong information. Hoax news will be effective as an instrument of certain parties to damage the atmosphere of peace if it is not opposed to true news.
In a democratic country like Indonesia, the press becomes the fourth power after the executive, legislative and judiciary. The press becomes a watchdog or guardian of people’s interests, guardians of the constitution and the direction of national life.
When referring to this function, the press is of course obliged to convey true information, educate and be able to have a positive influence on the life of the nation and state.
The press is also not just looking for profits, but has a special mission to educate the people and bring the nation to a higher level according to the values of Pancasila and the mandate of the constitution.
Meanwhile, students are equally important as a group that has a significant role in every change. The collapse of the New Order in 1998, for example, shows that students are part of the community which can have a significant impact on the running of government processes in Indonesia.
Why this can happen, because students have a sensitivity to the problems experienced by the community so they are encouraged to make changes.
Of course we agree that students are people who get education longer than other community groups. Certainly it will be extraordinary if students are involved in the propaganda of good values. They can be examples or symbols of the spirit of doing good in the midst of society. In the end this is expected to be transmitted to the surrounding community so that it will form a strong national character.
Besides that students and youth have great potential in the country of Indonesia. According to data from the Deputy Menpora Youth Empowerment, the composition of youth in Indonesia is 37.8% of the total population of Indonesia. The magnitude of this youth composition can be utilized to become an agent of the development of the Indonesian nation itself.
Students must also have an active role in social life, one of which is social control. This can be realized through strengthening the national outlook and raising awareness of the obligation as citizens.
The press and students both have a role, although the digital world increasingly offers speed of access to information, the press must be the main reference in all news. Whereas students are a force that will never subside, this is due to the regeneration of students who every year new seeds emerge.
)* The writer is an activist of the Indonesian Student Forum and Youth Guards