"We will also not be influenced by survey results. We will report everything in accordance with our duties and functions," Saiful Hadi stated.
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - The Chief of National News Agency LKBN ANTARA, Saiful Hadi, said the agency will remain independent and neutral in its reports on political parties and presidential candidates in connection with next years elections.

"We will also not be influenced by survey results. We will report everything in accordance with our duties and functions," he stated during a discussion with the agencys editors here on Wednesday, while accompanying Indonesian ambassador to the US Dino Pati Djalal.

He noted that LKBN ANTARA, through its reports, allows all political parties and presidential candidates to promote their campaigns and to educate the public on political issues.

On survey results that have recently placed various political parties and figures in the top ranks, he said they could not yet be considered accurate enough to guarantee the identity of the winner of the upcoming elections.

"Survey organizers can also be influenced by groups with vested interests," he added.

He pointed out that the task of the press in connection with next years elections was to report the activities of political parties and presidential candidates and follow each stage of the election process and other related issues.

"People must be given enough information to help them select a party and candidate. This is part of the concept of political education," he stated.

Moreover, he added, at the 2014 presidential election, Indonesia will choose a new leader for the next five years.

"We hope that in 2014, Indonesia will be led by an individual who is truly chosen by the people to create a New Indonesia," he remarked.

Dino, on the occasion, also conveyed his views on the need for superior nationalism to aid the progress of the nation.

He said an advanced nation does not think only dogmatically but also pragmatically to find solutions to its various problems.

"Pancasila (state ideology), the 1945 Constitution, the Unity in Diversity (principle), and the Unitary State of Indonesia remain our ongoing dogmatic principles, but pragmatic efforts are also needed to turn them into solutions," he stated.

Dino, who is now seeking presidential candidacy through the ruling Democrat Party, noted that he will not use old ideas in his campaign.

He remarked, "Many of us still cling to old ideas. I have often heard, during dialogues with students, ideas about colonialism, communism, and liberalism. To me, these are all old ideas. I wish to introduce new innovative ideas such as entrepreneurship and meritocracy."

Among elements that can build superior nationalism is national achievement, which must be prioritized until it becomes equal to the countrys potential, he explained.

He said Indonesia, meanwhile, should not only be a market but should also become a producer of various major commodities in the world market.

He noted that superior nationalism was not an issue that only impacted the elite section of society but could also be embraced by everyone in the community.(*)

Editor: Heru Purwanto
Copyright © ANTARA 2013