Surabaya, East Java (ANTARA) - East Java Governor Khofifah Indar Parawansa on Sunday awarded the Jer Basuki Mawa Beya (Success Requires Sacrifice) Gold Medal to ANTARA News CEO Akhmad Munir for his contributions to press integrity and freedom.
“The awardees are figures whose dedication, sincerity, and sacrifice have brought broad benefits to the people and the nation,” Parawansa said during the ceremony marking East Java’s 80th anniversary.
The Jer Basuki Mawa Beya Medal is the province’s highest honor, granted to individuals who have made outstanding contributions to development and public service in East Java.
Munir, who also chairs the Indonesian Journalists Association (PWI) Central Board, said he was deeply honored to receive the award.
“According to the decree read by the governor’s protocol, I received the Jer Basuki Mawa Beya in the gold category,” he said.
A native of Sumenep, Madura, Munir was recognized as a national press figure who has strengthened media organizations, supported East Java’s development, and advanced press freedom across Indonesia.
“Together with the PWI family at both central and East Java levels, we will continue to work with the provincial government to promote community welfare,” Munir said.
He also lauded East Java’s media landscape, calling it “stable and conducive” and crediting cooperation between the press, local governments, businesses, and communities for fostering inclusive development.
“Alhamdulillah (Thank God), the press in East Java has long maintained balanced reporting and coverage,” he said.
“This is a great strength that enables the media to keep contributing alongside other community sectors,” he added.
