ANTARA, PR association strengthen partnership on communication

Jakarta (ANTARA) - ANTARA National News Agency and the Indonesian Public Relations Association (Perhumas) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to strengthen the national communication framework through joint initiatives, including capacity building programs for public relations professionals.

Deputy Minister of Communication and Digital Affairs Nezar Patria witnessed the MoU signing during a prelude event to the Indonesia Public Relations Convention 2026 at the ANTARA Heritage Center in Jakarta on Saturday.

“I hope this MoU goes beyond being a mere formality and demonstrates our shared commitment to strengthen Indonesia’s communication ecosystem,” ANTARA President Director Benny Siga Butarbutar said.

He explained that the document provides a cornerstone for ANTARA and Perhumas to organize programs aimed at enhancing PR professionals’ competencies, holding educational forums, promoting media literacy, strengthening crisis communication, and producing joint publications for the public.

“Collaboration between professional organizations and national media is essential to fill public spaces with quality information that builds optimism and strengthens national unity,” Benny emphasized.

He also alluded to the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI), acknowledging that it presents new challenges for both PR practitioners and journalists.

With that in mind, he encouraged professionals in two related fields to leverage AI as a supporting tool rather than allowing it to become a decision-making instrument without human oversight.

Meanwhile, Perhumas Chairman Boy Kelana Soebroto pointed out the newly signed MoU covers cooperation in information dissemination, training, and capacity-building programs.

“Perhumas, as the oldest and largest public relations organization in Indonesia, signed an MoU with ANTARA to collaborate on all aspects of communication,” he said, emphasizing efforts to enhance public relations quality nationwide.

He expressed hope ANTARA’s bureaus in various regions would help Perhumas strengthen its role across the country.

The chairman further underscored the interconnectedness between public relations and the media, which could serve as a strong foundation for ANTARA and Perhumas to work together to advance Indonesia’s communication sector.

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Translator: Pamela Sakina, Tegar Nurfitra

Editor: Primayanti

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