The General Chairman of the Central PWI, Akhmad Munir, inaugurates the board of the Indonesian Journalists Association (PWI) of the Riau Islands (Kepri) for the remainder of the 2023–2028 term.

progresifjaya.co.id, BATAM – The Riau Islands (Kepri) chapter of the Indonesian Journalists Association (PWI) was officially inaugurated for the remainder of the 2023–2028 term by PWI Central Chairman Akhmad Munir at the Harmoni One Ballroom, Batam Center, on Thursday, September 17, 2026.

Embodying the spirit of “Fighter DNA,” the new PWI Kepri board is poised to strengthen synergy with all stakeholders to maintain a conducive environment and drive regional development in the Riau Islands Province.

The inauguration ceremony installed the core leadership of PWI Kepri, including Saibansah Dardani (Chairman), Alfian Lumban Gaol (Secretary), and Nizamul Akhyar (Treasurer), alongside other executive board members. Additionally, Marganas Nainggolan was inaugurated as Chairman of the Advisory Board, while Parna E. Simarmata was installed as Chairman of the Honorary Council (DK) of PWI Kepri—along with the DK Secretary and members—and Ramon Damora as Chairman of the Expert Council, along with its members.

The event was attended by PWI Central board members, including PWI Central Honorary Council Chairman Atal S. Depari, Secretary-General Marthen Slamet Susanto, Head of Organization, Cadre Development, and Membership (OKK) Zulkifli Ganni Ottoh, and Director of Journalist Competency Certification (UKW) Aat Surya Safaat. Also present were the Chairman of LAM Batam Kepri, Yang Mulia Dato Wira Setia Utama Raja M. Amin, Riau Islands Regional House of Representatives (DPRD) Speaker, Iman Sutiawan, Riau Islands Deputy Chief, Brigjen Pol Anom Wibowo, accompanied by Polda of Riau Islands Head of Public Relations, Kombes Pol Nona Pricilia Ohei, and other members of the Riau Islands Regional Leadership Coordination Forum (Forkopimda). Upholding the “Fighter’s DNA” and Meeting the Challenges of the AI ​​Era

In his address, the General Chairman of the Central PWI (Indonesian Journalists Association), Akhmad Munir emphasized, that this re-inauguration marks a crucial step in reuniting the collective potential of journalists following the resolution of leadership dualism at the national level through the Unity Congress held in August 2025.

“PWI was born from the hands of journalist-fighters who helped defend the Republic of Indonesia’s independence. PWI possesses a ‘Fighter’s DNA’ that has endured through every era—from the pre-independence and independence periods to the Reform era and the current age of information disruption,” Akhmad Munir asserted.

Munir also highlighted the importance of upholding values ​​of struggle and professionalism amidst the rapid rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology.

“In the AI ​​era, journalists must possess the capacity for verification rooted in the heart and human feeling—qualities AI lacks, even though technology can replicate many other things. Journalists must not be exploited by technology, instead, they must become wise and constructive users of information technology,” he added.

A Commitment to Synergy for a Conducive Riau Islands

The spirit of unity and professionalism demonstrated by PWI Riau Islands (Kepri) was warmly welcomed by the Riau Islands Regional Leadership Coordination Forum (Forkopimda), which stands ready to collaborate closely.

The Speaker of the Riau Islands DPRD, Iman Sutiawan, expressed his hope that PWI Kepri would remain at the forefront of presenting information that fosters a conducive atmosphere, thereby maintaining security and public order in this region known as the “Motherland of the Malays” (Bunda Tanah Melayu).

“I personally have gained many valuable lessons from my journalist colleagues. We are ready to work in synergy with PWI for the sake of the nation and the Riau Islands Province,” Iman stated.

Similar support was voiced by the Deputy Chief of the Polda of Riau Islands, Brigjen Pol Anom Wibowo. He commended the role of journalists in consistently delivering news that is educational and beneficial to the public.

“The role of the media is immense, and we learn a great deal from the press. Congratulations to the newly inaugurated board members,” he said.

“I hope PWI Kepri becomes an organization capable of meeting future challenges while acting as a unifying force among the government, the police, and all stakeholders, ensuring the Riau Islands remain safe and conducive,” continued Police Brigjen Pol Anom.

Following the inauguration, PWI Kepri moved quickly to hone its members’ professionalism through a series of strategic activities in Batam. These activities included:

1. Organizational and Journalism Orientation (OKK): Held on the same day—Thursday, September 17, 2026—at Harmoni One, Batam Center, to equip members with an understanding of the organization, the code of ethics, and laws and advocacy regarding journalists.

2. Journalist Competency Test (UKW): Conducted on September 18–19, 2026, at Balairungsari BP Batam to ensure journalists in the Riau Islands meet nationally recognized standards of competence and integrity.

With this inauguration, PWI Kepri reaffirms its commitment to refocusing on the core values ​​of independent and principled journalism, while standing ready to serve as a strategic partner in the development of the Riau Islands Province. (Bembo)