Indonesian Minister Launches Antara News Agency's Heritage Centre

JAKARTA, May 14 (Bernama) -- State-Owned Enterprises Minister Erick Thohir today officiated the opening of the Indonesian National News Agency’s (ANTARA) new building, ANTARA Heritage Centre, in Central Jakarta.

Located on a cultural site in Pasar Baru, with roots predating the country’s independence, the centre will host, among others, editorial teams responsible for producing texts, photos, and video contents.

Erick performed the opening ceremony by signing a plaque at the centre’s grounds, in the presence of Communications and Information Minister Budi Arie Setiadi and ANTARA President Director Akhmad Munir.

Speaking at the event, the minister expressed confidence in ANTARA’s ability to adapt to developments in the press industry, emphasising the importance of collaboration and innovation.

“I hope that the centre not only tells the history but also creates new narratives through collaboration and innovation.

“Let us use this building as a symbol of our commitment to improve and deliver quality information to the public.” 

The 107-year-old building is classified as a Class A Heritage Building, formerly serving as the core of the larger colonial Dutch East Indies district of Weltevreden in Batavia, Java.

The building had been restored, maintaining its original main structure and architecture intact. It is now divided into sections housing meeting rooms, a museum, photo galleries, and a sky terrace corridor.

Established on Dec 13, 1937, ANTARA is presently operated as a state-owned enterprise responsible for news reporting.

The news agency has 34 bureaus across Indonesia, as well as representative offices abroad in Malaysia and China.

-- BERNAMA