Kuala Lumpur: The Ikatan Setiakawan Malaysia-Indonesia (ISWAMI), a Malaysia-Indonesia journalist forum, is set to enhance strategic cooperation to ensure the dissemination of accurate and responsible information. This initiative aims to deepen mutual understanding between Malaysians and Indonesians.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, ISWAMI Malaysia president Ashwad Ismail emphasized the need for strengthened media relations between Malaysia and Indonesia, especially in light of current challenges such as the growing influence of artificial intelligence (AI). Established in 2005, ISWAMI serves as a bridge between the media of both countries, and Ashwad highlighted the media’s proactive role in addressing challenges and promoting regional prosperity in today’s uncertain and divided world.
Ashwad’s statement came after a meeting in Tokyo between Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil and Indonesian Communications and Digital Minister Meutya Viada Hafid, where the importance of ISWAMI’s role in media relations was underscored. ISWAMI Malaysia plans to hold follow-up discussions with Indonesian media partners to develop a joint action plan. This plan will include journalist exchanges, professional training programs, and regional media forums and dialogues, aimed at promoting media accountability through inclusive and solution-oriented journalism.
In the face of digital challenges and the rapid spread of information, Ashwad stressed the importance of media cooperation to ensure accurate and responsible information delivery. He believes that media professionals, journalists, and content creators can act as vital agents in building shared prosperity between the societies of both countries.
Ashwad further stated that ISWAMI not only strengthens the network of professional journalists but also fosters understanding and rapport through inclusive and forward-looking storytelling. Meanwhile, ISWAMI Indonesia president Asro Kamal Rokan expressed support for enhancing media cooperation, emphasizing the crucial role ISWAMI plays in exchanging and disseminating reliable information amid the challenges of social media’s boundless reach.