Gala Dinner HPN 2025 Banjarmasin, Fadli Zon: Press Can't Separate From Culture

Minister of Culture Fadli Zon was present at the Gala Dinner Night for the 2025 National Press Day (HPN) Banjarmasin. (Doc. Ist)

BANJARMASIN - Minister of Culture Fadli Zon was present at the Gala Dinner Night for the 2025 National Press Day (HPN) Banjarmasin, South Kalimantan, Saturday, February 8.

In his remarks, Minister Fadli Zon said the Press could not be separated from culture, literacy and narratives that were very close to culture.

Press figures are mostly cultural figures as well in their history. He mentioned the names of well-known press figures, starting from Rosihan Anwar, Jamaluddin Adinegoro, who in general is not only a writer, journalist, and press figure. In general they are cultural observers who love Indonesian culture.

"Indonesian history cannot be separated by verbal and script, poetry and calls for writing and courage. And also various inscriptions of the kingdom and news of struggle in the national press. Words have always been lives in our civilization," said Fadli Zon.

Fadli Zon leaked that he was also a former journalist who started the journalist profession since he was in third grade high school. In fact, this writing world career had been the editor of the literary magazine Horison for 20 years.

"I've been a part of the world of journalism since I was a high school student and a student, then after graduating from college," he said.

He said the free press responsible is light for the nation. But in this dynamic world, where the truth is getting more and more vague in boisterous disinformation and algorithms. "We are faced with the question of how words remain the guide of the truth. How the press becomes the guardian of the nation's Conscience," he said.

South Kalimantan Governor H Muhidin said the press had a very strategic role as a policy guard in conveying accurate information and moving public awareness of the importance of food sovereignty.

The governor also highlighted the 2025 HPN Theme "Pers Guards Food Security for National Independence as an issue that is very relevant to the current conditions.

"Food Security is not a matter of food availability, but how to ensure the sustainability of sufficient retribution and community affordability," said H Muhidin.

The Gala Dinner of the 2025 Banjarmasin HPN was attended by the Director General of Highways of the Ministry of Public Works, Dr. Ir Roy Rizaldi Anwar, who previously served as Secretary of the Province of South Kalimantan, Mayor of Banjarmasin, Ibnu Sina and also press figure Dahlan Iskan.

Also present was Central PWI Advisory Board Anton Charlian, General Chairperson of Central PWI, Hendry Ch Bangun, Chairman of PWI South Kalimantan Zainall Hilmie and Chairman of PWI Provinces and Regencies/Cities throughout Indonesia. This event was also attended by the Indonesian Journalists Family Association (IKWI).

Before giving a speech, Minister of Culture Fadli Zon accompanied by South Kalimantan Governor H Muhidin and Central PWI General Chair Hendry Ch Bangun gave a prize to the winner of the Poem Contest. M Roni became the winner of the Poem Contest which took place at Wetland Square, Banjarmasin, South Kalimantan, Friday (7/2/2025) night.