Press has Important Role to Maintain the Good Relationship between Nations

INDUSTRY.co.id - Jakarta- The press plays an important and significant role in maintaining good relationships among nations. Similarly, the relationship between the Republic of Indonesia and the Republic of Korea has been well preserved since there is good cooperation between the press communities of both countries.

This was conveyed by the Chairman of the Regional Representative Council (DPD) Osman Sapta Odang when receiving delegation Journalists' Association of Korea (JAK) or the Journalists Association of Korea (AWK) in his office, 8th Floor Gedung Nusantara III, Senayan, Jakarta, Wednesday (23/8 ).

The eleven JAK delegates are led by JAK President Jung Kyu Sung. The presence of South Korean journalists to the office of OSO was escorted by the Chairman of the Foreign Affairs of Indonesian Journalists Union (PWI) Teguh Santosa.

Also attending the meeting were the Director of the Confederation of ASEAN Journalists (CAJ), Bob Iskandar and Dar Edi Yoga.

"Good relationship and close cooperation between PWI and JAK is one of the foundations of good relations between the two countries," said OSO.

"The relationship between Korea and Indonesia has always been good from the past, as well as its press relations," continued OSO.

President JAK, Jung Kyu Sung, said he and his colleagues already knew first about who OSO was before this afternoon's meeting.

"Yesterday night, we were told by Teguh and Yoga that Mr. (OSO) is a highly respected Indonesian political figure and you have great affinity with journalists," said Jung who was forwarded to OSO by an interpreter.

During the meeting, Jung Kyu Sung gave a souvenir of small men and women statues symbolizing South Korean prosperity and ginseng.

While OSO handed over the DPD RI plaque which according to him was only first given to foreign guests.

OSO said he had visited South Korea five times. During one visit in 1982, he was given an opportunity by the South Korean government to enter a tunnel built by the North to infiltrate South Korea.

"I was the first Indonesian to be given the opportunity to enter the tunnel. I just told you now," OSO said.

He also said that in the near future with some members of DPD RI will return to visit South Korea.

At the end of the meeting, OSO expressed hope that South Korean journalists will tell how good Indonesia is. This is important so that the number of South Koreans who visit Indonesia more and more.

Teguh Santosa added that JAK's visit to Indonesia is part of cooperation with PWI since the last few years. Each year the two organizations send each other delegates to add insight and strengthen the foundations of good relations between the two countries.

Teguh who is also Chairman of the Indonesian Media Siber Union (SMSI) also said that cooperation between journalistic organizations between South Korea and Indonesia will be upgraded to cooperation between media companies.

"SMSI will soon establish a platform of cooperation with media organizations in South Korea.