Indonesian President Joko Widodo speaks during the inauguration of the National Defense Central Hospital (RSPPN) in Jakarta on Feb 19, 2024. (PHOTO / AFP)

JAKARTA — Indonesian President Joko Widodo said Tuesday that the government has issued a regulation on publishers' rights which aims to set business relations between digital platforms and mass media in terms of content publications.

The regulation, initiated three years ago, will require online platforms to coordinate first with news outlets if the platforms want to publish the outlets' contents. The platforms may also need to pay royalties for that.

The regulation was a response to press companies' complaints over a decline in mass media advertising revenue since the massive development of digital platforms

"This regulation is part of the government's efforts to support conventional mass media companies. We have to understand that press companies are under severe pressure amid technological developments. We want digital platforms not to undermine press companies. We want a clear cooperation scheme that benefits both parties," Widodo said in his speech at the National Press Day Commemoration in Ancol, North Jakarta.

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He said that the regulation, that he signed on Monday, would only be subjected to digital platforms and mass media, not for content creators.

The regulation was a response to press companies' complaints over a decline in mass media advertising revenue since the massive development of digital platforms. The press proposed to the government to regulate business cooperation with online platforms, Widodo said.

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"The transition period of the regulation implementation will be challenging, particularly related to response from digital platforms and service users," he said.