Jakarta: The establishment of the Malaysia Media Council (MMM) provides a strategic opportunity for Malaysia to bolster cooperation with Indonesia via its Press Council. This initiative aims to promote journalistic professionalism and media industry development in both nations, as articulated by Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Indonesia's Press Council, with over five decades of experience, plays a pivotal role in maintaining professional journalism standards. Teo Nie Ching expressed optimism that the formation of the MMM will enable Malaysia to benefit from the Press Council's experience, while fostering collaboration between the two entities. This partnership aims to cultivate ethical, transparent, and effective journalistic practices, supporting the growth of a sustainable and community-oriented media industry.
During a dialogue session with Indonesian editors-in-chief and members of the Ikatan Setiakawan Wartawan Indonesia-Malaysia (ISWAMI), Teo emphasized the importance of this cooperation. The event was attended by key figures, including Bernama CEO Datin Paduka Nur-ul Afida Kamaludin, editor-in-chief Arul Rajoo Durar Raj, RTM deputy director-general Hamzah Ishak, and ISWAMI Malaysia president Datuk Ahmad Zaini Kamaruzzaman.
The Press Council serves as Indonesia's self-regulatory body, safeguarding press freedom, ensuring adherence to journalistic ethics, and addressing public complaints against media organizations. Teo, currently on a three-day working visit to Jakarta, will meet with her Indonesian counterpart, Nezar Patria, to discuss further cooperation.
The MMM, established in June 2025, functions as an independent body aimed at fortifying journalistic ethics, promoting responsible press freedom, and providing a transparent mechanism for public complaints. It ensures that public concerns are addressed effectively.
Teo also highlighted Malaysia's Media Innovation Fund, a RM30 million initiative to assist local media organizations in adapting to digital transformation and advertising changes. This fund aims to help media outlets leverage technologies like AI to continue delivering quality content without influencing editorial independence.
Furthermore, Teo mentioned the Tabung Kasih@HAWANA initiative, launched by Bernama, which has benefited 632 recipients since its inception in 2023. She extended an invitation to Indonesian editors-in-chief to attend the Malaysian National Journalists' Day (HAWANA) 2026 celebration in Penang on June 13.