JAMIRA Chief Urges Greater Integrity, Responsibility Ahead of Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday

JAKARTA, Aug 25 (STUPA NEWS) — The chairman of Indonesia's Jaringan Media Indonesia Raya (JAMIRA), RM Gusti Haes, called for greater integrity, responsibility and public accountability as Muslims prepare to commemorate the birthday of Prophet Muhammad.

Gusti Haes made the remarks at JAMIRA's headquarters in the Kayu Manis area of East Jakarta as the organisation prepared to mark Maulid Nabi Muhammad SAW 1448 Hijri.

He said the annual commemoration should not be limited to religious ceremonies but should serve as a reminder of the Prophet's example of honesty, justice and responsibility in public life.

"Maulid Nabi is not merely a moment to commemorate the birth of the Prophet Muhammad, but also a moment to reflect on how far we have brought his example into our national life today," Gusti Haes said.

He said the rapid spread of information through digital platforms had created new challenges, including the circulation of unverified information, public disputes and growing polarization.

"Amid these conditions, we need to return to one of the central values exemplified by the Prophet Muhammad: morality," he said.

Gusti Haes said technological progress and greater access to information would not be enough to address the country's challenges without greater responsibility in the way people use knowledge, authority and freedom of expression.

"Indonesia does not lack intelligent people. What we need is more people with integrity. We do not lack information; we need greater honesty in how information is delivered," he said.

He also called on news organizations and digital media to strengthen verification and accuracy, saying the media had a responsibility to provide reliable information to the public.

"Amid disinformation, the media must be a place where facts are presented. Amid polarization, the media must provide balance," he said.

Gusti Haes said the values associated with the Prophet's example should also be reflected in how people communicate online.

"In an era when a single post can influence thousands or even millions of people, digital ethics has become part of human ethics itself," he said.

He urged journalists, community leaders, young people and the wider public to use the Maulid commemoration as an opportunity to strengthen social solidarity, preserve unity and respect Indonesia's diversity.

"Indonesia needs more than intelligence. It needs honesty. It needs more than freedom of expression. It needs responsibility," Gusti Haes said.

JAMIRA, a network representing Indonesian digital media organisations, aims to promote professionalism, integrity and responsible journalism among its members, he said.