Media Help to Spread Islamic Values: Deputy Minister Fachir

Jakarta, (Antara) - Indonesian Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister A.M. Fachir emphasized that the media was instrumental in spreading Islamic values among nations.

"When we speak about the media, we discuss its role in disseminating Islamic values," Fachir stated in his opening remarks at the International Conference of Islamic Media here on Wednesday.

The deputy foreign affairs minister opened the conference themed "Islamic Media to Protect Islam and Muslim Interests, Especially Palestine and Al Quds Liberation."

Fachir affirmed that the media played a role in highlighting the reality, values, and recommendations of the results of international conferences and summits.

The minister also recognized the role of the Islamic media in voicing the concerns of countries, especially Islamic nations, on the liberation of Palestine.

The conference specifically addressed the role of the Islamic media in supporting the Palestinian struggle to break free from Israeli occupation and in defending the Islamic world.

The deputy foreign minister noted that the media had been used for certain purposes of a party to hide the truth.

"The basic role of the media is to showcase facts and truth to the world," he stressed.

Therefore, the Islamic media should play an active role in spreading facts and truth and in voicing the message of peace from every nation.

At least 50 representatives from over 17 countries attended the conference.

The attendees comprised chief editors of news agencies in Islamic countries, ambassadors of Islamic countries in Jakarta, experts and practitioners of mass media, organizations of Muslim journalists, leaders of Islamic colleges, non-governmental and community organizations, lecturers, college students as well as community leaders concerned about the Palestinian liberation and protecting Muslims.

The countries participating in the conference were Australia, Indonesia, Iran, Kuwait, the Islamic Republic of Iran, Lebanon, Libya, the Philippines, Malaysia, Nigeria, Singapore, Sudan, Thailand, Tunisia, Turkey, the United States, Palestine, Great Britain, and Saudi Arabia.

News Director of Antara National News Agency Aat Surya Safaat stated that the media had a role in highlighting Palestinian problems, which had been overshadowed by news on issues in other countries, such as the turmoil in Egypt and Yemen.

"We invited Muslim and non-Muslim journalists to attend the conference as Palestine's problem is not about religion but humanity," he emphasized.

Safaat said the conference could draw an initiative to establish a Muslim journalists' association.

"There is a possibility that the conference could be organized periodically. This time, Indonesia hosts the conference, and later, Turkey may host it," he added.(*)