Oleh : By Elba Damhuri, Editor in Chief of Republika

REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, If you want to know about modern Chinese life 50 years ago, then come to Shanghai. There you will see extraordinary modernization, a sparkling economy, and the birth of billionaire figures of various ages.

If you want to see the last 500 years of Chinese civilization then go to Beijing. There you can see symbols of China's political splendor and unity. In Beijing, great Chinese figures were born and grew up who made this Panda country as successful as it is today.

And, if you want to witness Chinese life 3,000-5,000 years ago, come to Xi'an (Xian). The city of Xian in Shaanxi Province is one of the world's main tourist destinations, containing many historical relics from thousands of years ago.

The most phenomenal is the Terracotta Warriors and Horses Museum which is estimated to have been built 2,000 years ago. Symbols of togetherness, harmonization, tolerance, prosperity and glory clearly appear there.

In Xian City also stands the Xian Grand Mosque which was built in 743 AD. This mosque was built by Persian and Middle Eastern traders and envoys who had built relations via the Silk Road with the Chinese people. From this relationship and acculturation, Hui Muslims were born in China.

Relations between Islam and Muslims with China have been established for a long time. Marriage occurs not only at the level of fellow humans, but also at the level of culture, food, drink, way of life, and how they interact with each other with new values.

Xian Mosque is surrounded by one tourist destination: Muslim Square. Typical Muslim and Chinese acculturated food is available here. Authentic Chinese food is also available. Various souvenirs and replicas of historical items can be purchased at Muslim Square.

Unfortunately, said several Xian friends I met around the Muslim Square and Xian Mosque, stories like this rarely appear in the world's main media. Certain media, they say, are too busy looking for negative points that are not necessarily true and are actually detrimental to Muslims in China.

The story of Xinjiang and Islam has also sparked world attention. The news that the Chinese Islamic public considers to be unbalanced and detrimental to them is different from the real conditions.

Muslim Xian said the Chinese government has given more attention and strong support to Chinese Muslims. In Xian, the Xian Grand Mosque has been designated by the government as a historical heritage and is protected. The same treatment is also given to Xinjiang and other Muslim communities.

"There is a high gap in the flow of information about China," said one media leader in China who I met in Beijing, the capital of China.

He responded to all the misinformation and exaggerated stories about China that continued to be pushed by a number of parties.

There is great and tough global competition as emerging giants from Asia play an important role in the current world system. Information war is increasingly inevitable --- because information is power.

Thus, the China-Indonesia Media Forum was born to become a bridge to strengthen relations between the two countries, especially in building a balanced and accurate flow of information. The media has the power and credibility to disseminate factual information and is able to build relationships of mutual understanding between the two nations.

*China-Indonesia Media Forum*

I along with a number of media editors-in-chief from Indonesia were invited as Indonesian delegates to the 2024 China-Indonesia Media Forum in Beijing on Monday (2 September 2024). We explained a number of things at a forum attended by the Chinese media community, academics, students and local officials.

Media editors from Indonesia who conveyed thoughts and ideas in this forum included Antara News Agency, Kompas, Jakarta Post, Republika, NetTV, and Katadata. From China there are Xinhua, People's Daily, CGTN, CRI, and others.

The China-Indonesia Media Forum is a platform to strengthen bilateral relations between Indonesia and China through the media. This forum is a forum for journalists and media figures from both countries to exchange information, experiences and ideas related to various bilateral and global issues.

Deputy Chairman of the Chinese Public Diplomacy Association, Tong Xiaoling, said that China-Indonesia media cooperation is very important and beneficial for the two countries amidst increasingly strong cooperative relations and awareness of the same goals for future development.

"As two great powers from the 'southern countries', unity and cooperation between China and Indonesia is an impetus for global development, world peace and stability, as well as an important driver for the realization of world multi-polarity," said Tong, who was present as the keynote speaker. on this Media Forum.

Tong highlighted the important role of media in building togetherness between countries amidst technological development and disruption. Even though there is artificial intelligence (AI), China and Indonesia must remain convinced that everything cannot be separated from the role of humans.

The media, said Tong, must always uphold truth and justice. "No matter how life changes and how big the difficulties we face, we must remain convinced that this world must be founded on truth," Tong said.

Indonesian Ambassador to China and Mongolia Djauhari Oratmangun also appeared as the main speaker at this Media Forum. Ambassador Djauhari believes that collaboration between Chinese and Indonesian media has a positive impact in strengthening bilateral cooperation.

Understanding of culture, cultures and ways of thinking from both parties will contribute to strengthening the third pillar of cooperation between the two countries, namely the socio-cultural pillar and relations between communities.

Even though Indonesian media and Chinese media have very different ecosystems, media forums between the two countries are still an important momentum for learning and discussing with each other to find solutions to the problems they both face.

The media of the two countries must strengthen collaboration in the production of news and journalistic content, including by inviting each other's journalists to cover positive aspects of the two countries.

Indeed, we are aware that Indonesia and China have become major regional economic and political players. What needs to be done now is to strengthen relations between the two countries through various means.

First, increase mutual understanding. The media can be a platform to help the people of both countries understand each other's perspectives and interests.

Second, media collaboration. Collaboration between Indonesian and Chinese media in news and coverage is important. There are efforts to build information based on the perspectives of both countries.

Third, cultural and human exchange. Culture and people play an important role in building mutual understanding and comprehension between the two peoples.

Moreover, China and Indonesia have wide cultural diversity. Both countries and nations must introduce culture and traditions regularly and intensely.

Fourth, strengthen economic relations: The media must be able to increase understanding of business and investment opportunities in both countries. We must explain why China-Indonesia business cooperation is important.

Fifth, build an understanding of Muslim life in China. Stories about Islam and Muslims in China tend to have a negative side. Even though the reality is not like that. Here it is necessary for the media and Muslim figures from both countries to interact with each other.

China and Indonesia are countries with great influence in the Asian region, and even the world. Both have a long history, rich culture, and enormous economic potential.

So, good cooperation between China and Indonesia not only benefits both countries, but also makes a positive contribution to the stability and prosperity of the Asian region.

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