North Kalimantan Governor Zainal A. Paliwang Receives Indonesian Press Friends Award In 2025

JAKARTA, - The Central Indonesian Cyber Media Union (SMSI) gave the Friends of the Press 2025 award to the Governor of North Kalimantan (Kaltara), Dr. H. Zainal A. Paliwang, SH, M. Hum. This award was given at the National Conference of Appreciation and Dialogue which was held at the Jayakarta Hotel, Hayam Wuruk Street, on Tuesday night, (20/05/25).

The General Chairperson of the Central SMSI, Firdaus, revealed that the Friends of the Press award was given based on the results of a proposal from the provincial and district/city SMSI management, as well as in commemoration of SMSI's 8th birthday.

"There are eight names of figures in the proposed regions that are considered to have contributed significantly to the development of the press and cyber media in their respective regions," he said.

The chairman of the Central SMSI, said that the assessment stage was not chosen, there was a team of experts who discussed and evaluated objectively in various ways the support of regional figures who contributed to SMSI and press personnel.

"All through the selection stage, we discuss and finalize. There is a council of experts who conduct an assessment. The Governor of Kaltara consistently encourages a sustainable exosystem of journalists," said Firdaus.

"Pak Zainal also supports the SMSI program, including supporting the implementation of the Journalist Competency Test (UKW). In addition, it is active in fostering the media and SMSI Kaltara HR," he added.

Firdaus explained that the Governor of Kaltara, who is the chairman of the SMSI Kaltara supervisory board, has shown extraordinary attention and support for the existence of SMSI.

"The governor of Kaltara is a former retired police general who has strong support to continue to support the role of the media in the development of information facilities in the regions," he explained.

Long Terjalin

In the same place, the Governor of Kaltara in his testimony said that after receiving the award, there was a sense of pride and emotion. His relationship with the media and the world of journalists has long existed well.

"This will be my motivation and enthusiasm to continue to work to encourage the existence of SMSI Kaltara. I also thank the assistant to the Chairman of SMSI Kaltara (Victor Ratu) who has proposed then there is an assessment stage carried out by the central SMSI management. I have long established a good closeness to the media including SMSI Kaltara, in every commemoration of National Press Day, we also support it," he said.

The Governor of Kaltara assessed that the existence of SMSI Kaltara at the beginning was still small until now, the membership of SMSI Kaltara could reach 73 cyber media companies that joined, due to good collaboration and cooperation.

"The SMSI organization in Kaltara can be counted at the beginning of the finger, but now there are 73 cyber media companies joining SMSI Kaltara, Alhamdulillah it's my job. We will continue to assist in its activities, including the implementation of the Journalist Competency Test (UKW) which will be carried out in 2025. I am sure all regional heads will help not only in Kaltara, continue to support the existence of SMSI and other journalists," he said.

The Friends of the Press Award is a form of SMSI appreciation to figures who are considered meritorious in supporting press independence and the development of a healthy and responsible digital media ecosystem.

The list of names of figures in the regions who received the 2025 Indonesian Press Friends award from the Central SMSI is as follows:

1. Dr. H. Zainal A. Paliwang, SH., M.Hum Governor of North Kalimantan.2. Yohanes Handojo Budhisedjati, SH., CCP General Chairperson of Formas3. Dr. Jopinus Ramli Saragih, SH, MM Indonesian Educational Leader and Regent of Simalungun 2 Period 2010-20214. Dr.H. Bagus Santoso Deputy Regent of Bengkalis5. Wong Chun Sen Chairman of the Medan City DPRD6. Dr. H. Anton Achmad Saragih, SE, MM Regent of Simalungung Regency7. DR. Afni Z, S.Ap., M. Siak Regent Elected 2025-20308. Sunaryo Banyumas Prov Central Java (smsikaltara)