malaysiangJAKARTA, Feb 9 — Communications and Multimedia Minister Tan Sri Annuar Musa has wished all Indonesian journalists a ‘Happy National Press Day’ (HPN), which is celebrated today.
He said the celebration reminded all Indonesians of the hard work of the media to uphold democracy and develop the country.
“February 9 is a day of pride for all journalists in the Republic of Indonesia who work hard to disseminate news and information to the community for the prosperity of the country.
“Congratulations to the Indonesian Journalists Association (PWI) and I am confident that it will continue to renew its determination and spirit in managing press freedom in a fair, professional and responsible manner,” he said in a statement.
Annuar joined the HPN celebration in Kendari, Southeast Sulawesi virtually. The ceremony was also attended by Indonesian President Joko Widodo.
Annuar was the only foreign leader invited. He was accompanied by charge d’affaires of the Malaysian Embassy in Indonesia Adlan Mohd Shaffieq as well as Communications and Multimedia Ministry deputy secretary-general (Strategic Communications and Creative Industry) Mastura Ahmad Mustafa.
Others include Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) chairman Senator Datuk Ras Adiba Radzi, Malaysian-Indonesian Journalists’ Association (ISWAMI Malaysia) president Datuk Mokhtar Hussain, Bernama deputy editor-in-chief (Business and Finance Services) Roslan Ariffin and Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) chairman Dr Fadhlullah Suhami Abdul Malek.
On behalf of the embassy, Adlan Mohd Shaffieq congratulated all journalists for their hard work in reporting current situations.
He said journalists would continue to be the ‘bridge’ between the people and the government.
Meanwhile, Ras Adiba hoped that Indonesian journalists would continue to be eager to deliver insightful information.
HPN is the second largest celebration in Indonesia after Aidilfitri and is traditionally held in different cities in Indonesia every year.
This year’s celebration was also participated by ambassadors, corporate figures, local journalists and several representatives of ISWAMI Malaysia led by its advisor Datuk Zakaria Abdul Wahab.
There were 40 activities organised this year including a mass media convention on Feb 7 and 8 as well as seminars on tourism, energy and mining, finance and fiscal and also journalism workshops.
Source: BERNAMA News Agency
