Indonesia Praises Bernama's Efforts in Handling Fake News

JAKARTA, Sept 19 (Bernama) -- Indonesia Tuesday praised the efforts of the Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) in addressing the issue of fake news which try to create problems in bilateral relations between Malaysia and Indonesia. Indonesian Communications and Informatics Minister Rudyantara said Bernama should be commended for always giving priority to accuracy of news and remaining a legitimate reference to any incident. He said Bernama was always committed to accuracy of news rather than speed and it was better than the social media that gave priority to speed and not accuracy. He was speaking to Bernama here, after making an unofficial call on the Malaysian ambassador to Indonesia Zahrain Mohamed Hashim at the office of the Malaysian embassy, here, Tuesday. Rudyantara said Bernama and the mainstream media in Indonesia should cooperate in the fight against fake news. "I appreciate the efforts of friends from Bernama (News Channel) in enhancing relations between the two countries by combating fake news,” he said Rudyantara said untrue news or hoaxes were spread by those who did not want to see harmonious relations between Malaysia and Indonesia. “So, Bernama and its media partners in Indonesia have a great responsibility to channel authentic information to clarify issues accurately. "I always communicate with the Malaysian ambassador if there is something that needs clarification and in this way, we safeguard the harmonious ties between the two countries," he said. -- BERNAMA