2021 HPN, Anies Expects Role of Journalists to Bridge Government Policy for Residents

Allow me to say that this is an opportunity for the press to play a role in fighting COVID-19

Jakarta has hosted events virtually in each region since February 6, 2021 in the event of the 2021 National Press Day (HPN). Even so, the committee and HPN and the PWI Pusat management were present in Ancol, North Jakarta after undergoing an antigen swab test and still strictly adhering to health protocols.

Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan, had the opportunity to open a series of events entitled the National Mass Media Convention. He expressed his appreciation as Jakarta was given the honor to host the 2021 HPN.

Commemorating National Press Day, City Facilitates Webinars and National Mass Media Conventions

"Allow me to say that this is an opportunity for the press to play a role in fighting COVID-19. That's why cooperation is very important to consistently implement 3T (testing, tracing, treatment) and 3M (washing hands with soap, wearing masks, and maintain physical distancing)," he expressed, at the Candi Bentar Ancol Hall, North Jakarta, Monday (2/8), as quoted by Jakarta PPID's press release.

Through the role of the mass media, he hoped, journalists were able to bridge the two sides, namely through information from the news. They also had the opportunity to play this role thus could make the moment of awakening from the COVID situation to create public awareness to care about common health.

"It can be encouraged through the mass media to help ensure the two sides mentioned above are running well. Congratulations to you, continue to be a component that educates the nation's life, consistently maintains objectivity, and will make our nation stronger after going through this outbreak," he explained.

Press Council Chairman Mohammad Nuh assessed that their role amid the pandemic was forced to change, despite the idea of change had existed for a long time. He assessed, it was a change and there was a challenge to run as the stakes involved life or death.

Thus, he explained that the mass media owners had the best chance to make changes, either it was a business model or change in a new ecosystem, which can be gradually built. That meant it was the toughest challenge and would be discussed at the national mass media convention.

"I would like to express my deep gratitude to fellow journalists, that changing behavior in order to foster public empathy is very necessary at this time. Thus the public's awareness about health protocols during a pandemic will increase. So the point is how we (journalists) can survive the times, until we rise through the COVID moment," he explained.

As for the information, the convention takes place in 2 (two) sessions. The first session at 8 AM to 12 PM, with the theme "Building a Sustainable National Press Ecosystem" with the speakers:

1.Communications and Information Minister, Johnny G. Plate

2. Press Council, M. Nuh

3. MNC Group, Hary Tanoesoedibjo

4. AMSI Chairman, Wanseslaus Manggut

5. Australian Antitrust Commission representative

The second session at 12 PM to 4 PM, with the theme "The National Press Rises From the Economic Crisis Due to COVID-19", with the speakers:

1. Finance Minister, Sri Mulyani

2. BUMN Minister, Erick Tohir

3. Editorial Forum Chairman, Kemal Gani

4. Central SPS Daily Chairman, Januar P. Ruswita

5. PT Telkom Indonesia President Director, Ririek Andriansyah

The 2021 HPN activity was also attended by PT Taman Impian Jaya Ancol Tbk. (PJAA) President Director, Teuku Sahir Syahali; Press Council Chairman, Mohammad Nuh and his ranks; Jakarta Information, Communication, and Statistics Agency Head, Atika Nur Amalia; as well as all journalists from all over the country who participated in a series of activities via virtual.