Pekanbaru (CatraMedia.com) – The Legal Consultation and Aid Institute (Lembaga Konsultasi dan Bantuan Hukum/LKBH) of the Indonesian Cyber Media Association (Serikat Media Siber Indonesia/SMSI) Riau Province conducted a Focus Group Discussion (FGD) entitled “Indonesian Press Regulations as the Legal Framework for Journalistic Activities”. The discussion was held in collaboration with Catra Media, the campus press of the Faculty of Letters at Universitas Persada Bunda Indonesia, and took place at the SMSI Riau Secretariat, Jalan Sumatera No. 6, Pekanbaru, on Tuesday (October 14, 2025).
The FGD focused on the application of the Press Law and the Electronic Information and Transactions (ITE) Law within journalistic practices. The session was facilitated by Sugiharto, SH, MH, Head of LKBH SMSI Riau.
In his remarks, Sugiharto explained that the activity aimed to strengthen the legal literacy of campus journalists. “As beginner journalists under the campus press, the Catra Media editorial team needs a more comprehensive understanding of Indonesia’s press regulations and legal framework. While they have studied these aspects theoretically, this FGD provides an opportunity to discuss their practical implementation together with LKBH SMSI Riau,” he stated.
The discussion proceeded interactively, especially when several real examples of press disputes and their legal resolutions were presented. “We expect participants to understand how to produce journalistic works that comply with ethical and legal standards. Journalists must always uphold the presumption of innocence and maintain balance in reporting,” added Sugiharto.
Also attending the discussion were Edward Pasaribu, SH, Secretary of LKBH SMSI Riau, along with other board members including Abusar, SH, and Rafizis. The Catra Media delegation consisted of seven members, led by their editorial advisor Silvia Utami, SPd, MPd.
At the conclusion of the session, the participants presented a summary of key discussion outcomes to be used as a reference for future campus press activities. “This FGD has provided us with valuable insights for carrying out our duties as campus journalists. We sincerely appreciate the guidance and support from LKBH SMSI Riau and look forward to further collaboration in broader programs,” said Silvia Utami in her closing remarks.
In his concluding statement, Sugiharto emphasized that LKBH SMSI Riau not only provides legal consultation and assistance but also plays an educational role in promoting legal awareness among the public. “Beyond its core functions, our institution bears the responsibility to enhance public understanding of legal issues, particularly those related to press activities and media regulations,” he affirmed.
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