Jakarta, Sept. 3 -- Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin said that mass media plays a central role in strengthening national unity.

The role can be achieved by educating the people through credible and factual information and not escalating the tensions.

Therefore, he said, it was important for the government to build relationships with the mass media, so they can collaborate to create a conducive environment through the news.

The minister also viewed a close relationship between the government and the media as a crucial foundation for building healthy and productive synergy.

"With it, we can build synergy between the government, the media, and the public," he said during a meeting with media editors-in-chief at the Ministry of Defens...