REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA -- President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono will symbolically inaugurate an ASEAN journalism education and training center in Palembang, South Sumatra province, while attending the commemoration of the National Press Day in the Bengkulu Province on February 9.

Chairman of the Indonesian Journalists Association (PWI) Margiono met the President at the Presidential Office here on Monday, to report the preparations for the commemoration of the National Press Day 2014.

Margiono explained that 75 journalists from the ASEAN member countries will arrive in Bengkulu to attend the inauguration of the training center, which will coincide with the National Press Day commemoration.

Permanent Secretary of the Confederation of ASEAN Journalists (CAJ) Akhmad Kusaeni noted that a workshop for the ASEAN journalists will be held in Palembang, between February 10 and 12, following the inauguration of the training center. The three-day workshop themed "Bringing ASEAN Closer to Hearts and Minds of the People" will be organized.

"The launch of the ASEAN journalism education and training center in Palembang is a recommendation that was put forth during the General Assembly of the Confederation of ASEAN Journalists in Manila, which was organized last year, between November 21 and 23," he remarked.

Established in 1979, the CAJ, among others, aims to encourage the advancement of the ASEAN press by promoting free and responsible press, creating close relations among the ASEAN journalists, and enhancing mutual understanding among the ASEAN member states in creating welfare, social justice, and peace in the region.

During the meeting, the president was accompanied by Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs Djoko Suyanto, Minister/State Secretary Sudi Silalahi, and Communications and Information Minister Tifatul Sembiring.

Meanwhile, the PWI Chief was, among others, flanked by the Press Council member Ninok Leksono, Chief of the PWI's advisory council Tarman Azzam, member of the PWI's honorary council Ishadi SK, CAJ Permanent Secretary Akhmad Kusaeni, and Bengkulu Governor Junaidi Hamsyah.

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