Democracy-Based Mass Media System: An Analysis of Its Functions, Roles, and Accountability in Indonesia

Abstract

This article examines how a democracy-based mass media system operates in Indonesia by examining its functions, roles, and accountability in public life. This research is motivated by the need to understand the quality of Indonesian democracy, which is heavily influenced by the media's role as a transmitter of information, a check on power, and a space for public participation. Using a qualitative approach based on literature, this article examines various regulations, communication theories, and previous research findings to describe the actual state of media in post-reform Indonesia. The study's findings indicate that press freedom has opened up space for the development of information pluralism, but challenges such as ownership concentration, political bias, and weak media accountability still hinder the media's ideal function as a pillar of democracy. This study emphasizes that increasing media literacy, strengthening journalistic codes of ethics, and transparency of ownership are key steps to improving the quality of Indonesian democracy through a healthy media system.