Batam officials and media organizations address communication dynamics

Journalism organizations in Riau Islands, including the Indonesian Journalists Association (PWI) and the Indonesian Cyber Media Association (SMSI), have responded to the public communication style of Li Claudia Chandra, the Vice Mayor of Batam and Deputy Head of BP Batam.

PWI Kepri Chairman Saibansah Dardani urged journalists to remain professional and objective, viewing the current communication dynamics as an opportunity for maturity in public service. SMSI Kepri Chairman Aldi Samjaya characterized Chandra’s direct and blunt communication style as a positive trait aimed at accelerating city development.

Additionally, Ariastuty Sirait, Deputy of Public Services at BP Batam, emphasized that the government does not require media that only offers praise. She stated that critical journalism is essential for democracy and serves as vital feedback for policy evaluation, provided it follows proper journalistic processes such as verification and data presentation. The government expressed readiness to engage in dialogue and receive criticism to improve Batam's development.