Leading AJI, Nany Afrida Promises to Fight for Prosperity and Press Freedom

AJI General Chairperson for the 2024-2027 period Nany Afrida promised to fight for the welfare of journalists and press freedom.

KOMPAS/ADRIAN FAJRIANSYAH

Nany Afrida and Bayu Wardhana posed after being elected as the General Chairman-Secretary General of the Alliance of Independent Journalists (AJI) for the 2024-2027 period during the 12th AJI Congress in Palembang, on Sunday evening, May 5, 2024.

PALEMBANG, KOMPAS — Nany Afrida and Bayu Wardhana elected as General Chair-Secretary General of the Journalist Alliance Independent (AJI) for the 2024-2027 period at the XII AJI Congress in Palembang, South Sumatra, Sunday (5/5/2024) evening. During his leadership, Nany-Bayu promised to fight for better welfare of journalists and press freedom.

Nany-Bayu was elected with 90 electoral votes out of a total of 217 electoral votes. Pair number one led over pair number three Ika Ningtyas Unggraini-Laban Abraham Laisila with 48 electoral votes, pair number two Aloysius Budi Kurniawan-Imam Dwianto Nugroho with 42 electoral votes, and pair number four Edy Can-Asep Saefullah with 37 electoral votes.

Nany stated that the main priority of her leadership is to strengthen the organization of AJI in districts and cities throughout Indonesia. AJI in districts and cities is the pillar or foundation of AJI, so efforts must be made to realize their independence. This is very important because it relates to the welfare and professionalism of journalists, especially members of AJI in districts and cities.

"Speaking about the independence of AJI in districts/cities, we will listen to all their wishes, strengths, and weaknesses. Only then will we prepare a program that is suitable to realize the welfare and professionalism of journalists," he said.

Also read: The Palembang Charter Needs to be Reviewed to Guarantee Press Freedom

KOMPAS/ADRIAN FAJRIANSYAH

The four pairs of candidates for the Chairman-Secretary General of the Alliance of Independent Journalists (AJI) held hands together after undergoing the elections in the 12th AJI Congress in Palembang, South Sumatra, on Sunday (5/5/2024).

In addition, Nany stated that her team will focus on advocating for legal products that are not in line with press freedom issues and advocating for journalists who are entangled in legal cases.

Nany added that in order to realize a better press independence, there are three main strategies that will be implemented, namely dialogue or diplomacy, press education or socialization, and movement or action. This must be done together with all related organizations, including civil society groups and the Press Council.

"The issue of press freedom cannot be fought alone, we must move together," said Nany.

Also read: Dissemination of Hoax News Increases During the 2024 Election

The Chairman of AJI 2021-2024, Sasmito Madrim, expressed his appreciation for the good democratic process in the election of the Chairman-Secretary General of AJI 2024-2027. Sasmito hopes that the elected chairman-secretary general can focus on promoting better welfare, professionalism, and independence of the press.

Based on a survey conducted by AJI, around 50 percent of journalists in Indonesia earn below their respective provincial minimum wages. This will affect the performance of journalists, particularly in terms of their professionalism.

"The outcome will affect public interest. In other words, non-independent journalists will produce biased news that will harm the general public," said Sasmito.

KOMPAS/ADRIAN FAJRIANSYAH

The number one candidate pair Nany Afrida and Bayu Wardhana pose after being elected as the Chairperson-Secretary General of the Alliance of Independent Journalists (AJI) for the period of 2024-2027 at the 12th Congress of AJI in Palembang on Sunday, May 5, 2024, at night.

In addition, Sasmito called for the issue of violence against journalists to be monitored. So far, there are still security forces that allow cases of violence against journalists to occur unabated.

"Hopefully, the new chairman and secretary general can find a breakthrough regarding this issue. Moreover, as we know, the new Indonesian regime tends to be unsupportive of press freedom. However, as long as we remain united, we can fight together to safeguard press freedom indices, at the very least to prevent any decline," said Sasmito.

Also read: Indonesian Press Freedom Index 2023 Declines

The issue of press freedom cannot be fought alone, we must move together.

The Chairman of the XII Congress Committee of AJI, Mahdi Muhammad, stated that the congress held on May 3-5, 2024 went smoothly, with almost no obstacles. It is hoped that this will be a positive indication that the elected Chairman-General Secretary will be able to bring AJI much better.

"We hope that the elected chairman and general secretary can lead AJI to be more developed and progressive, especially regarding crucial issues such as press freedom. AJI must be ready to be at the forefront in maintaining the independence index of the press." After all, the press is the fourth pillar of democracy," said Mahdi.