JAKARTA: Indonesia-Malaysia media exchange programmes such as Ikatan Setiakawan Wartawan Malaysia-Indonesia (Iswami) can strengthen the bond between both nations as close neighbours, says Indonesia's Communications and Informatics Minister Budi Arie Setiadi.
He said as both countries shared similar cultures, the social interaction among the people of Malaysia and Indonesia, especially in the field of journalism, would help forge stronger ties.
"Iswami Malaysia's visit to Indonesia is part of the cultural exchange and social interaction among Malaysians and Indonesians, especially in the journalism field.
"The press is the fourth pillar of democracy, and with this (visit), both the press in Indonesia and Malaysia can help strengthen the democracy of both nations.
"This is a very good initiative, and we should continue the relationship between Malaysian and Indonesian media houses so that there is better understanding of our cultures."
He said this to the Malaysian media, who are part of the Iswami Malaysia delegation to Indonesia, in conjunction with the 2024 Indonesian Presidential Election last week, and Indonesia's National Press Day tomorrow.
Meanwhile, Budi said with rapid global digitalisation, the media, too, must head towards the same direction and embrace technology.
He said there were several strategic issues surrounding artificial intelligence (AI) that would need to be addressed.
"AI will eventually replace many roles in the media world. With AI, how can we continue to produce quality journalism?
"There needs to be both ethical and AI understanding, because such a technology can greatly help or cause great concern.
"We want to ensure that our digital space is healthy and used productively," added Budi.