IO – President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) attended the main event of the 2022 National Press Day commemoration, virtually from the Bogor Presidential Palace, West Java, Wednesday (2/9/2022).
The highlight of the event was held in Kendari, the capital of Southeast Sulawesi. In addition to the President, many national fgures were seen attending the events, such as state offcials, national press personalities, journalists and many ambassadors from friendly countries.
In his remarks, the President started by congratulating the Indonesian journalists on their commemoration of National Press Day. He continued by expressing his appreciation to the press for continuously building optimism and encouraging hope in the community, amid a COVID-19 pandemic.
“I would like to express my gratitude. Despite the ongoing pandemic, the press continues to work by conveying information, improving literacy, building optimism and encouraging hope so that people may stay tough in facing the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic,” he said.
Previously, Atal S. Depari, General Chairman of the Central Indonesian Journalists Association (PWI), extended his gratitude to the Government for giving the journalists opportunities to have the COVID-19 vaccination at the earliest opportunity, because the journalists are frontline workers that deliver information to the public.
“I could still remember when the 2021 National Press Day was held in Ancol. At that time, we requested vaccination for the press. Mr. President granted our request so that 5,500 journalists could receive their vaccination at the earliest time,” he said.
Responding to the statement from PWI’s General Chairman, President Jokowi revealed that the Government has administered roughly 325 million doses to the public, including the first dose, second dose and booster shots. The Government claims that it has sufficient stock of vaccines to continue vaccination programs in communities.
“When PWI asked to be prioritized, we could only provide 5,000 doses. But, if PWI makes another request now, we have 143 million in stock. Let us know how many you need; we will provide them as we have a large stock,” said the President.
At the main event of the 2022 National Press Day, the Adinegoro Journalistic Award was also presented to several journalists. Then, the Cultural Award was presented to nine regional heads: the Mayor of Padang Panjang, the Regent of Magetan, the Regent of Lamongan, the Regent of Indramayu, the Regent of West Sumbawa, the Mayor of Bengkulu, the Mayor of Surakarta, the Regent of Buton and the Regent of Lamandau.
Another exclusive award, the Press Card Number One, was also given to 30 journalists whose work has been recognized at both national and international levels. The awardees were represented by five journalists, C. Herry S.L., Suprapto, Ramon Damora, Mahmud Matangara and Syafruddin Pernyata.
On the happy occasion, PWI and the Youth and Sports Ministry signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU), represented by Atal S. Depari from PWI and Youth and Sports Minister Zainudin Amali.
PWI also signed another MoU with the Environment and Forestry Ministry, PT Astra International Tbk, and the Indonesian Chamber of RAYI GIGIH/IO Commerce and Industry. The Press Council also signed an MoU with the National Police, the National Counterterrorism Agency and the Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection Ministry. (eka)