Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesia and Malaysia have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in a step that enhances the cooperation between the two countries' state news agencies, in regard to sharing of news and information through a variety of media platforms.
The MoU between Indonesia’s ANTARA News Agency and Malaysia’s BERNAMA was signed in Jakarta on Wednesday by heads of the two media outlets in the presence of Malaysian Prime Minister Dato' Sri Ismail Sabri bin Yaakob, who is visiting Jakarta on a work engagement.
“Today’s agreement (MoU) is a step forward in terms of cooperation between ANTARA and BERNAMA,” said ANTARA’s President Director Meidyatama Suryodiningrat.
He hoped for the strengthened partnership to allow a closer cooperation and mutually beneficial ties in a number of areas.
“In addition, I believe both our agencies will be able to cope effectively with all existing challenges,” he added.
The MoU encompasses the sharing of news and information programs for broadcast over television and social media, which also fortifies the long-established relations between the two countries.
Meanwhile, Chief Executive Officer of BERNAMA Datuk Mokhtar Hussain said that the agreement will serve as a springboard for both state news agencies to move forward in the current challenging media landscape, where new technologies in gathering and distribution of news and information are seen as important tools.
“The news exchange between ANTARA and BERNAMA goes back several decades, if I may recall, BERNAMA’s first overseas correspondent was stationed in Jakarta way back in October 1971. This speaks well for the affinity we share in our business,” he said.
The cooperation between the two news agencies dates back to more than five decades ago, and the MoU signing is hoped to take the ties to a new level, amid changes in the media landscape due to digital interventions.
ANTARA is a state-owned news agency that was established on December 13, 1937, prior to the nation’s independence.
It provides news services to various media companies, and has journalists stationed all across the archipelago, as well as a number of other countries. The agency distributes its news products via its own website, social media platforms, and television networks. The news agency serves web-based news distribution around the clock on the latest issues in various sectors.
Meanwhile, BERNAMA was established on May 20, 1968, via the BERNAMA Act 1967, with its headquarter in Kuala Lumpur. It distributes news products over multiple platforms which include BERNAMA TV, BERNAMA Radio, and a number of social media networks.