TRANSFORMATION OF INDONESIAN PRESS FREEDOM: FROM COLONIAL ERA TO DIGITAL
By : Eva Riana Rusdi Doctoral Candidate in History, University of Indonesia Every newspaper published, every broadcast news, carries the traces of the long struggle for press freedom in Indonesia. From the dark colonial period to the bright digital era, the journey of the Indonesian press reflects the metamorphosis of a nation in achieving and maintaining the independence of information. A journey marked by tears, blood, and courage - from censorship to freedom, from strict control to an explosion of information. This is the story of how the voice of truth continues to resonate, despite various forces attempting to silence it. The Indonesian press has undergone significant transformation in its efforts to become a solid pillar of democracy. Rise of Indigenous Press: Resistance Through Words (1903-1945) The history of the Indonesian press began with the publication of "Bataviase Nouvelles" in 1744, the first newspaper published by the VOC. However, the early 20th cent...