MEDAN | INDATANEWS.COM - The North Sumatra chapter of the Association of Indonesian Journalists' Families (Ikatan Keluarga Wartawan Indonesia/IKWI) on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, joined the nationwide celebration marking the 65th anniversary of IKWI's establishment through a virtual conference. The event was attended by all IKWI provincial chapters across Indonesia. The Chairman of the Central Executive Board of the Indonesian Journalists Association (Persatuan Wartawan Indonesia/PWI), Ahmad Munir, was present as a special guest.
The online celebration of IKWI's 65th anniversary was also attended by IKWI Central Executive Board Chairwoman Indah Kirana and Chairman of the PWI Central Honorary Council, Atal Sembiring Depari. In North Sumatra, the event was held at the PWI North Sumatra main office located on Jalan Adinegoro/Parada Harahap, Medan.
Several board members and members of IKWI North Sumatra participated in the celebration, including IKWI North Sumatra Chairwoman Fadia Achri Yulan, along with PWI North Sumatra Chairman H Farianda Putra Sinik SE and members of the PWI North Sumatra board.
STRENGTHENING WOMAN'S ROLE: PWI Central Executive Board Chairman Ahmad Munir delivers messages on women's empowerment, media literacy, unity, and family values during the 65th IKWI anniversary celebration for IKWI board members and participants. (PHOTO: Sri Endang Lasmiaty)
IKWI and PWI Strengthen the Role of Journalist Families
PWI Central Executive Board Chairman Ahmad Munir praised IKWI's 65-year journey and development. He stated that IKWI has consistently demonstrated its ability to build a strong community alongside PWI while maintaining the values of solidarity and commitment that have been part of Indonesia's press development for decades.
According to Ahmad Munir, IKWI and PWI are two interconnected organizations that work together to strengthen the professionalism of media practitioners while encouraging journalist families to become positive examples within society.
"IKWI and PWI are two organizations that form a unity in improving the professionalism of press workers, building harmonious families, providing exemplary roles for journalist families in society, and implementing the values of togetherness," Ahmad Munir said.
In his address, Ahmad Munir delivered four important messages to IKWI leaders and members. First, he encouraged IKWI to continue expanding the role of women through educational and informational programs for women's groups and the wider community.
He explained that women hold strategic importance in creating a better social environment through social activities, education, and empowerment programs aimed at increasing independence.
As his second message, Ahmad Munir urged IKWI to maintain organizational unity and solidarity with a spirit of dedication that aligns with journalistic professionalism. He also encouraged IKWI members to support the work of journalists, particularly by accompanying their husbands in carrying out professional journalistic duties.
Third, he emphasized the importance of maintaining family relationships to help create a qualified future generation.
"Children with a clear future, who are well educated and able to pursue their goals. Thank God, many families have children who achieve success. Some become doctors, ambassadors, lecturers, or journalists with even better abilities," Ahmad Munir stated.
He added that journalist families must continue encouraging children's development so they grow into intelligent individuals who understand their responsibilities toward their parents and contribute to religion, the nation, and the state.
"Good children understand their parents, are intelligent, and have a vision for the future. This is what we must continue to nurture together so that IKWI and PWI can strengthen each other and contribute to the nation and the state," he said.
Farianda Highlights IKWI as a Pioneer of Social Commitment
PWI North Sumatra Chairman H Farianda Putra Sinik SE said during the regional celebration of IKWI's 65th anniversary that IKWI has proven its existence over the past six and a half decades as an important organization representing journalist families.
Farianda stated that IKWI is not only a supporting organization for journalist families but has also developed into an active community involved in social activities and public engagement.
Through the national theme "IKWI Tangguh, Perempuan Berdaya untuk Indonesia Maju" (Resilient IKWI, Empowered Women for an Advanced Indonesia) and the sub-theme "Wartawati Sumatera Utara Bersinergi: Menjaga Marwah Pers, Menguatkan Literasi dan Keluarga" (North Sumatra Female Journalists in Synergy: Preserving Press Integrity, Strengthening Literacy and Families), Farianda viewed the message as an important foundation for IKWI's future development.
As an advisor to IKWI North Sumatra, Farianda identified three key roles that the organization must continue strengthening. First, IKWI must help preserve the dignity of the press amid rapid information growth and the digital era.
He emphasized that journalist families should become examples in selecting reliable information and promoting media literacy within their households.
"Our homes must become centers of education and media literacy," Farianda said.
The second role, according to Farianda, is strengthening media literacy and family values. Women within IKWI are important agents of change who can create positive impacts through various activities in family and community environments.
He stressed that IKWI women should continuously develop their skills, creativity, and independence to support their families and contribute to society.
RECOGNIZING IKWI'S COMMITMENT: PWI North Sumatra Chairman H Farianda Putra Sinik SE appreciates IKWI as a journalist family organization that actively supports press integrity and social engagement. (PHOTO: Sri Endang Lasmiaty)
IKWI North Sumatra Encouraged to Continue Supporting Regional Development
Farianda also highlighted the importance of close cooperation between IKWI, PWI, the government, and society. He said collaboration is a crucial factor in addressing future organizational challenges.
"Especially for North Sumatra: Let us continue to jointly support the development of our region and strengthen solidarity. I extend my highest appreciation to all IKWI North Sumatra board members and members who have worked sincerely until now. Future challenges will certainly exist. However, I believe that with the spirit of 'IKWI Tangguh,' we can overcome these challenges. PWI North Sumatra congratulates IKWI on its 65th anniversary and wishes IKWI continued success, unity, and stronger bonds among its members," Farianda said.
He expressed hope that IKWI's 65th anniversary would become a new momentum for all members to maintain solidarity, expand the organization's benefits, and strengthen connections among journalist families throughout North Sumatra.
The 65th anniversary celebration of IKWI became an important moment to strengthen the role of women in journalist families, promote media literacy, and further reinforce the professionalism of press workers in contributing to society and national development. (IDNC)
REPORTER: Sri Endang Lasmiaty | EDITOR: Fik Sagala