Jakarta, Aug. 3 -- Communication and Digital Affairs Minister Meutya Hafid stressed that the government imposes no restrictions on media coverage of public demonstrations across Indonesia, reaffirming its commitment to press freedom.

She said in Jakarta on Monday that her ministry does not bar the media from reporting protests as long as coverage follows journalistic principles and the 1999 Press Law.

Hafid made the statement to rebut claims that the government had constrained media coverage of demonstrations staged by students, labor unions, and residents in recent months.

The minister added that her office is encouraging the press to help the government shield the public from online hoaxes by swiftly and responsibly disseminating fac...