Malaysian Journalists head to Indonesia For Iswami’s Jejak Serumpun Programme

SEPANG, Feb 12 (Bernama) -- Fifteen Malaysian journalists today departed for Jakarta, Indonesia from the Kuala Lumpur International Airport for the Ikatan Setiakawan Malaysia-Indonesia (ISWAMI) Malaysia’s Jejak Serumpun programme.

The 10-day visit until Feb 21 is led by ISWAMI Malaysia president, who is also ASTRO Awani editor-in-chief Ashwad Ismail.

The programme aims to expose Malaysian journalists to various dimensions and perspectives behind the 2024 Indonesian Presidential Election on Feb 14 and the Indonesian National Press Day (HPN) on Feb 20.

Ashwad said the selected journalists will not only witness one of the world’s largest democratic processes but also gain insight into the advancement of green technology and the digital economy of the republic, besides fostering close relations with Indonesian journalists during HPN 2024.

“This brief yet profound journey of knowledge is not only about observing the ‘democracy festival’ but also engaging in meetings and dialogues with figures who reflect Indonesia’s greatness, including key players in fintech, digital economy industry, sustainable development sector and their ability to popularise green technology.

“In the increasingly challenging global geopolitical landscape, Malaysian journalists need to be exposed to the Track II diplomacy efforts by various institutions and non-governmental organisations in Indonesia that promote unity agendas among ASEAN nations and positive internationalism,” he said.

Through the Jejak Serumpun programme sponsored by Berjaya Corporation Berhad, Green Growth Asia Foundation and vFive Group, Malaysian journalists will also participate in several visits and meetings with ISWAMI Indonesia president Asro Kamal Rokan.

Meetings with leaders of Indonesian media and key agencies will also be held to further strengthen the relations between both countries.

Editors-in-chief from Malaysia will also join the ISWAMI delegation to HPN 2024, an annual event gathering over 6,000 journalists from across Indonesia.

The Indonesian HPN was traditionally held on Feb 9 but was postponed to Feb 20 due to the general election.

Established in 2003 by senior journalists from Indonesia and Malaysia, ISWAMI serves as a bridge between the peoples of the two countries through information, understanding, and the fostering of friendship.

-- BERNAMA