ISWAMI strengthens media relations between Indonesian and Malaysian journalists
JAKARTA: The relationship between media and fellow journalists in Indonesia and Malaysia is now growing stronger through the close cooperation of the IndonesianMalaysian Journalists Solidarity Association (ISWAMI).
Datuk Lichong Angkui, Chief Editor of Utusan Borneo Sabah, said that this is evident due to the close relationship between ISWAMI Indonesia and Malaysia, which is further nurtured in the digitalisation era.
“Through ISWAMI, the relationship between media organisations in Indonesia and Malaysia is getting closer, especially since both countries share many similarities.
Starting with the relationship between chief editors, now this connection has been extended to the level of journalists from both countries,” he said upon his arrival here on Monday to attend the ISWAMI Kinship Program in conjunction with the 2024 Indonesian Presidential Election and National Press Day (HPN) Indonesia, lasting three days until Wednesday.
A total of 18 chief editors and senior editors from Malaysian media participated in this program led by the President of ISWAMI Malaysia, Ashwad Ismail.
Last Monday, ISWAMI Malaysia mobilized a group of 15 Malaysian journalists to participate in the same program, including attending various dialogues related to development and progress in Indonesia.
The dialogues and meetings aim to foster camaraderie among journalists from both countries.
Lichong, who is also a member of the ISWAMI Malaysia Administrative Council, acknowledged that ISWAMI plays a significant role as a platform for both countries.
“This is an effective platform for interaction and communication in resolving many issues involving the mutual interests of Indonesia and Malaysia.
“From social issues, migrants, and human rights to economic and geopolitical matters, clarity can be achieved through ISWAMI before situations become murky,” he said.
He appreciated the support of both countries’ governments for ISWAMI’s efforts, as evidenced by their support for organising HPN Indonesia and National Journalist Day.
ISWAMI was established in 2005 to strengthen the relationship between the two countries, following the emergence of various issues including overlapping claims in Ambalat, border disputes, and labor.
Among the founders and pioneers in Malaysia are Tan Sri Johan Jaaffar, Datuk Zakaria Abdul Wahab, Datuk Zulkefli Salleh, Datuk Zulkifli Hamzah and Datuk Mokhtar Hussain.