We found 132 newspapers published by North Sumatra press companies from 1885 to 1942, being the most during the Dutch colonial period, (thereby) making the province the pioneer of Indonesian pressJakarta (ANTARA) -
North Sumatra Province is the cradle of the Indonesian press as historical milestones of the national press were made in the region, according to the University of Medan historian Ichwan Azhari.
"We found 132 newspapers published by North Sumatra press companies from 1885 to 1942, being the most during the Dutch colonial period, (thereby) making the province the pioneer of Indonesian press," Azhari noted as per the statement here, Friday.
Azhari's statements were delivered at the focus group discussion organized by the National Press Day committee and the North Sumatra authority. The central Indonesian Journalist Association (PWI) Chairperson Atal S. Depari and North Sumatra Communication and Informatics Office Head Ilyas Sitorus also attended the forum.
He pointed out that by 1918, Benih Merdeka ("Seeds of independence") became the earliest newspaper in the province to use the word "Independence" in their name and advanced the national independence agenda.
Related news: BMKG prohibits public to rebuild settlements along Cugenang Fault
"According to authentic evidence, North Sumatra had five pioneering women newspapers in Indonesia, among those being Perempuan Bergerak (Medan, 1919), Soeara Iboe (Sibolga, 1932), and Boroe Tapanoeli (Kotanopan, 1940)," the researcher highlighted.
Some 10 national press figures hailed from North Sumatra, he noted while highlighting journalist Parada Harahap, who had been known as the "king of press offence" after being imprisoned on 12 different occasions due to his frequent criticism of the Dutch colonial authority.
Related news: Rebuild quake-damaged Cianjur school in 3 months: Widodo
Meanwhile, Depari stated that the focus group discussion could be beneficial to the national press and become an effective medium for Indonesian journalists.
"We hope the final report from the focus group discussion could provide concrete inputs for the advancement of the national press, particularly the North Sumatra press," the PWI chairperson remarked.
Moreover, he expressed optimism that National Press Day next February could be a medium for Indonesian journalists to gather and expand their networks.
Related news: New fault caused 5.6-M Cianjur quake: BMKG
Related news: Cianjur quake: Govt to continue search for eight missing victims
Translator: Putu Indah S, Nabil Ihsan
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
Copyright © ANTARA 2022
