National Press Day 2021, Anies Encourages Press to Strengthen Synergy and Collaboration

Jakarta Governor, Anies Baswedan attended the peak event of National Press Day 2021 at State Palace, Central Jakarta, on Tuesday (2/9). This event was held both online and offline, and also attended by President of Republic of Indonesia, Joko Widodo, several ministers from Advanced Indonesia Cabinet, Indonesian Journalists Association (PWI) General Chairperson, Atal Sembiring Depari, Press Council Chairperson Mohammad Nuh, and Indonesian Press.

Hopefully the press day momentum in the midst of pandemic can strengthen synergy and collaboration between press, government, and community

In his remarks, Anies expressed his gratitude and appreciation for Jakarta being chosen to host National Press Day 2021, especially this year's theme for National Press Day also placed Jakarta as a city that plays a major role in post-pandemic economic recovery.

"On behalf of Jakarta Government, we would like to thank you because in 2021 Jakarta is chosen as the host of National Press Day, it is an honor for us and people of Jakarta to be able to act as facilitator in this important national scale activity," he conveyed as quoted in Jakarta PPID Press Release.

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

He invited all press members to commemorate National Press Day 2021 to strengthen synergy and solidity between press members, local and central government, and community. Thus together can face challenges in this pandemic situation while continuing to give spirit of optimism to all until the pandemic ends.

"Hopefully the press day momentum in the midst of pandemic can strengthen synergy and collaboration between press, government, and community. This way, we are sure that Indonesian press can continue to contribute not only in providing information, but also educating public to keep optimistic in facing this situation," he said.

According to him, there were many big changes in Jakarta, especially physically. It was conveyed as an illustration for HPN 2021 participants who didn't have opportunity to enjoy Jakarta because they had to attend the annual event online.

"Although we can't welcome you all, the press colleagues, to see the progress of Jakarta due to COVID-19 pandemic, we can say that there are things that have changed in Jakarta, where in 2020, Alhamdulillah Jakarta managed to get out from the top 10 of most congested cities in the world. It is improving from year to year since 2017 (based on TomTom Traffic Index Report 2020). This situation can't be separated from our efforts to develop integrated transportation and change the behavior of people who increasingly use public transportation," he explained.

He closed his remarks with hope that pandemic will end soon and realize the National Press Day 2021's theme which placed Jakarta as city that plays a major role in national economy and an accelerator of change.

"We hope COVID-19 pandemi c will end soon and Jakarta can adapt to be more advanced city, thus when you visit Jakarta, you can immediately feel a more comfortable atmosphere," he added.

Meanwhile, Jakarta Deputy Governor, Ahmad Riza Patria (Ariza) who attended at the peak event of HPN 2021 in Candi Bentar Ancol Hall, North Jakarta, expressed his gratitude to journalists who have contributed to the nation and state.

"We are grateful for struggles that journalists have been through until this day. Hopefully the presence of journalists, media, and press can continue to provide spirit of contribution to our nation, bringing reliable, positive news that can enlighten the entire community. And we all can avoid hoax news and bad news. Thank you, once again to journalists, media, and press who have contributed especially in Jakarta, the capital city," he stated.

For information, that event was attended virtually by press members from 37 provinces throughout Indonesia, as well as Ambassadors from friendly countries and government officials who were connected via video conference. In the peak event, number of awards in press field were also given, namely Adinegoro Journalism Award, Anugerah Kebudayaan Award, Press Card Number One Award, and Pena Mass Award, as well as signing of MoU between Central PWI and related parties.