BY SITI NURAIN RATANI
JAKARTA: There needs to be political will to establish a media council in every country.
This is emphasised by the secretary-general of the Indonesian Journalists Association (PWI), Sayid Iskandarsyah, who stated that all journalist organisations nationwide must come together to form a media council in Malaysia.
In Indonesia, the Press Council (Media Council) was formed due to legislation.
“The question is, is the Malaysian government ready to protect media freedom? The Malaysian media association must also unite and form a central association that will then empower the media council,” he explains.
He said this during a press conference after receiving a visit from the delegation of the Malaysia-Indonesia Brotherhood of Journalists (ISWAMI) Malaysia.
Meanwhile, member of the Indonesian Press Council, Tri Agung Kristanto, believed that the establishment of a media council could help realise the development of journalistic efficiency and press freedom.
It can also ensure that media practitioners continue to adhere to and maintain good ethics.
“Media actually represents the voice of the community and is responsible to the public. Like in Indonesia, the Press Council is responsible for several key areas, including education and competency development; providing guidelines related to media companies, and protecting journalists and media companies,” he said.
During this visit, 15 journalists from various Malaysian news agencies are participating in the “Jejak Serumpun” (Tracing Roots) Programme here from February 12 to 21.
This visit is in conjunction with the Indonesian Presidential Election (Pilpres) 2024 and the Indonesian National Press Day (HPN) 2024, which will take place on February 20.
