The Indonesian minister urged Catholic journalists and media to promote the common good through their reporting.
"Through the journalistic responsibilities carried out by fellow journalists, let's make these tasks a field of community service as well as a form of actualization of love and the best service to God," said The Minister of Communication and Information, Johnny G. Plate, on February 22.
Plate was speaking at a ceremony organized by the Indonesian Catholic Journalists Association (PWKI) to mark the Opening of the Year with PWKI XVII 2022, with the theme of ‘Making Indonesia Smile Again.’
He also asked journalists to continue strengthening collaboration fostering innovation in the community.
Hundreds of Catholic journalists from Indonesia attended the virtual event, including Indonesian priests and nuns in various countries.
PWKI also presented awards to several public figures who inspired many people on this occasion.
The award was given to Indonesian Scientist Carina Joe, one of the owners of the AstraZeneca vaccine patent in the country.
"I am very grateful to receive this award. The world still needs many vaccines at this time. I hope this can help us stress the importance of science and technology," she said.
Another winner was the Indonesian artist Cinta Laura Kiehl who inspired many young people.
Through her various social activities, she wants to invite generations of Indonesians to believe and trust in their ability to build the nation.
"I am very touched and proud because I have been considered worthy of this award. The role of young people is important in spreading tolerance without prejudice, bringing the Indonesian generation forward," said Kiehl.
Jonathan Christie, a national badminton athlete, was among those who received an award from PWKI. Christie, through his social actions such as building a mosque after the Lombok earthquake (2018) and donating 50% of his Thomas Cup Prize from the government to former outstanding athletes.
"Parents and coaches originally educated me to share the blessing we received from God. We must also be a blessing to many people. That's what I hold on to until now," said the 24-year-old athlete.
Other awards were given to Pieter Gero, PWKI founder and former Kompas newspaper journalist and Professor of Intelligence Hendro Priyono. Both are considered to have an essential role for the nation.
The PWKI New Year's Opening Ceremony has been held for the 17th time. PWKI regularly organizes the event at the beginning of the year.
Radio Veritas Asia (RVA), a media platform of the Catholic Church, aims to share Christ. RVA started in 1969 as a continental Catholic radio station to serve Asian countries in their respective local language, thus earning the tag “the Voice of Asian Christianity.” Responding to the emerging context, RVA embraced media platforms to connect with the global Asian audience via its 21 language websites and various social media platforms.
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