MEDIA CAN HELP EXPAND RELATIONS, SAYS INDONESIAN JOUNALISTS ASSOCIATION

KUALA LUMPUR, March 27 (Bernama) -- A synergistic interaction between the
Malaysian and Indonesian media can contribute not only in expanding the cordial
ties between both countries but also in opening up avenues for cooperation in
the field of communications.

The head of the Indonesian Journalists Association (PWI) for West Sumatra,
Basril Basyar, said so far the good relations between the media in West Sumatra
and their Malaysian counterparts had helped the Indonesian people understand
Malaysia better and prevent misunderstanding.

"We appreciate the report by the Malaysian media, especially Bernama, during
the earthquake in Padang on Sept 30 last year, allowing Malaysians to come
forward to provide assistance to the victims," he told Bernama here.

Basril, who was leading a delegation of 10 media representatives from West
Sumatra for a visit to the Bernama headquarters at Wisma Bernama here, said ties
between the media of both countries should continue through programmes involving
both sides.

He said that the goodwill visit to Bernama could provide a starting point
for a
wider collaboration especially in terms of news coverage.

Basril said Indonesia was aware that the Malaysian media not only report
about
disaster but also promote bilateral tourism and trade and help strengthen
people-to-people relations.

Meanwhile, Bernama Editor-in-Chief Yong Soo Heong said relations between
the local media and Asian media were important in generating and sharing ideas
about day-to-day duties.

"News and media management is a challenging undertaking, to say the least.
We
have to be always on the alert but most importantly, we should know our
responsibility.

"As a media practitioner, we should also strive to safeguard the relations
between Malaysia and Indonesia to help both countries achieve a win-win
partnership.

"It is of little benefit if one side is getting the better deal in a
partnership," he said.

Apart from Basril, others in the delegation were Padang Ekspress chief
executive officer Zaili Asril, Majalah Gatra representative in West Sumatra
Fachrul Rashid, Singgalang chief executive officer Basril Jabar, Mimbar Minang
chief executive officer Hasril Chaniago, Universiti Mohamediah rector Dr Sofwan
Karim, West Sumatra cultural activist Alwi Karmina, West Sumatra PWI member
Zulnady, Singgalang editor-in-chief Khairul Jasmi, Haluan deputy editor-in-chief
Ismet Fanany and Padang Media Online editor-in-chief Eko Yanche Edrie.

Apart from Bernama editorial deparment, the delegation also visited Radio24
and Bernama TV accompanied by Bernama deputy editor-in-chief Zulkefli Salleh.

The delegation will leave for Singapore Saturday to continue their regional
tour.

-- BERNAMA