Journalists’ unity key in resolving Malaysia-Indonesia conflicts: Iswami

JAKARTA – The strong bond established between Malaysian and Indonesian journalists can serve as a bridge to connect the people of both countries and become a major component in resolving conflicts.

Malaysia’s ambassador to Indonesia, Datuk Syed Md Hasrin Tengku Hussin, said journalists play an important role in bridging social interaction and understanding and appreciating the cultures and histories of both countries.

“Alhamdulillah, with the existence of Ikatan Setiakawan Wartawan Malaysia-Indonesia (Iswami), whenever there is an issue involving any one country, journalists from Malaysia and Indonesia can assist in explaining the issue at hand to help resolve the conflict,” he said in his speech at the Iswami Malaysia dinner with the Malaysian ambassador to Indonesia at a hotel here last night.

He said Malaysia and Indonesia also shared similarities in their approaches at the international stage in issues involving the Rohingya, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), and Palestine.

Sharing the same sentiment was Iswami Malaysia president and Astro Awani editor-in-chief Ashwad Ismail, who said the role of Iswami in building the relationship between both countries was the right move forward as the media’s role today, especially with the advancement of technology, has become even more challenging.

“Most important is that we have to build an international relationship that is positive at a time when the situation on the international stage remains unstable. We hope to expose more Malaysian journalists to the media perspective in Indonesia because it is important in efforts to strengthen the relationship in the Asean region,” he said.

Meanwhile, Bernama editor-in-chief Nur-ul Afida Kamaludin, who headed the Iswami Malaysia delegation for the 2024 Indonesia National Press Day (HPN), representing the Communications Ministry, said the presence of the Malaysian media delegation leaders in Jakarta today proves the strong existing bond between Malaysian and Indonesian media.

Nur-ul who is also Iswami Malaysia’s administrative council member, said that though the Iswami Malaysian delegation consisted mainly of young journalists, the bonding among journalists from both countries has become even stronger.

“In fact, both sides were unanimous in their message: continue to assist both countries to foster a stronger understanding and relationship. Iswami also plays an important role in assisting the government to strengthen the existing cordial relationship between both countries,” she said.

Earlier, 16 journalists representing various media and news agencies from Malaysia arrived in Jakarta, Indonesia, at 2.45pm (Indonesian time) in conjunction with the 2024 National Press Day celebration scheduled for tomorrow.

The delegation, comprising editors-in-chief and managing editors who are also prominent figures in Iswami Malaysia, is in the republic to honour the invitation for the 2024 HPN, which will see the culmination of more than 6,000 journalists from all over Indonesia.

Apart from Nur-ul and Ashwad, also in the delegation are Iswami Malaysia deputy president Datuk Ahmad Zaini Kamaruzzaman, who is also the NSTP group managing editor and Berita Harian group editor, Iswami Malaysia vice-president 1 and the communication minister’s press secretary Nur Hanim Mohd Muhili, vice-president 2  Kamaruddin Mape, who is also Media Prima Television Networks group editor of news and current affairs, and Iswami secretary-general Mohd Shukri Ishak, who is also head of broadcasting (TV & Radio) of Bernama.

Iswami Malaysia council members present in the delegation are Utusan TV chief editor Datuk Zulkefli Hamzah, Sarawak Media Group director and Suara Sarawak and New Sarawak Tribune CEO Datuk Dr Jeniri Amir. 

On February 12, 15 journalists from various Malaysian news agencies arrived in Indonesia to participate in the Program Jejak Serumpun Ikatan Setiakawan Malaysia-Indonesia (Iswami) Malaysia, held in Jakarta from February 12 to February 21. 

The educational visit was planned to expose Malaysian journalists to various dimensions and perspectives behind the dynamics of the 2024 Indonesian presidential election on February 14 and the Indonesian National Press Day 2024, which takes place on February 20 in Jakarta.

Iswami is a Malaysian-Indonesian journalist forum established in 2003 as a bridge between Malaysian and Indonesian media relations, playing a role in building prosperity for both countries. – February 20, 2024