1 DRAFT NATIONAL LAW OF THE REPUBLIC OF INDONESIA NUMBER 40, YEAR OF 1999 ON PRESS BY THE GRACE OF GOD THE PRESIDENT OF REPUBLIC OF INDONESIA Considers : a. that the freedom of the press is one of the many embodiments of the sovereignty of the people and is the utmost important element in creating a democratic society, nation and state in order to insure the freedom of expressing ideas and opinions as stated in Article 28 Indonesian Constitution of 1945; b. that in the existence of a democratic society, nation, and state, the freedom of expressing ideas and opinions, in accordance to conscience and the right to acquire information, is the substantial right – necessary to preserve justice and truth, promote general welfare, and advance the nation’s intellectualism; c. that national press as the media of mass communication, information dissemination, and shape public’s opinion, must be able to perform at its best according to its principles, functions, rights, obligations and roles based upon the professional freedom of the press, guaranteed and protected by law and free from any interference and intrusion;