The Indonesian envoy, led by Ambassador Agus Widjojo visited the head office of the Manila Bulletin (MB) in Manila on June 10, 2024. The delegation was warmly received by MB President and Vice Chairman Emilio Yap III, with some of the publication officers and editors.
The primary purpose of the visit was to reinforce the existing partnership between the Indonesian Embassy and the Manila Bulletin. This collaboration has been pivotal in fostering bilateral relations, particularly in the media sector. "The purpose of the visit is to strengthen the existing partnership, discuss ways to bolster it, and amplify the embassy's future activities,” stated Ambassador Widjojo during the meeting.
A significant highlight of the conversation was the commemoration of the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Indonesia and the Philippines. This milestone, officially established on November 24, 1949, symbolizes the enduring friendship and cooperation between the two nations. The discussions focused on enhancing joint activities and media coverage to celebrate this historic event throughout the year.
Additionally, Ambassador Widjojo acknowledged the Philippines' celebration of National Flag Day and Independence Day, highlighting the shared values and historical connections between the two countries.
Ambassador Widjojo expressed his gratitude for the support and collaboration from the Manila Bulletin, noting its role as a reliable media partner and a crucial player in shaping international relationships. He highlighted the Manila Bulletin's status as the Philippines' largest English-language newspaper and emphasized the continued importance of traditional print media in the digital age. "Although everyone seems to go digital for news, every morning I still find myself happy and really enjoy reading the newspaper with a cup of coffee," he shared, appreciating the Bulletin's commitment to quality journalism.
In Indonesia, the print media landscape is adapting to the digital era, with newspapers and magazines striving to remain relevant. Ambassador Widjojo mentioned, "Print newspapers and magazines in Indonesia are adapting to digital platforms. We are regularly producing printed newspapers and news media to reach a wider audience." Despite the digital shift, the print media industry in Indonesia remains robust, with forecasted revenue reaching substantial figures and a significant user base.
The visit of Ambassador Agus Widjojo to the Manila Bulletin not only celebrated the rich history between Indonesia and the Philippines but also set the stage for future collaborations. Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to using media as a bridge to enhance mutual understanding and cooperation, benefiting the people of both nations.