Some 40 media practitioners from the Indonesian Journalist Association of North Sumatra visited Perak recently. The October 18 and 19 event was to reciprocate the trip made by members of the Perak State Welfare and Sports Club to Medan in 2016.
Club President, Rosli Mansor Ahmad Razali said that the visit by the Indonesian journalists would help strengthen the relationship between both countries besides promoting tourism.
“They’re captivated by the natural environment and the local and traditional dishes available. We agreed to set up a joint-charity fund, with the co-operation of the Malaysian Malay Contractors Association, to help victims of natural disasters,” he told Ipoh Echo. He said so in view of the recent earthquakes in Sulawesi which had claimed several lives.
The 19 Indonesian media agencies who made up the entourage were Harian Analisa, Harian Mimbar Umum, Harian Waspada, Harian Koran Medan, Komisi Infomasi Publik, Harian Medan Post and Mingguan Gebrak.
Also present were Republik Indonesia, Harian Medan Bisnis, Harian Berita Sore, Televisi Republik Indonesia, Radio Sonya, MNC Group (RCTI, etc.), Harian Sumut Pos, Harian Realitas, Harian Andalas, GoSumut.com and Harian Sinar Indonesia Baru.
A memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed by both parties during an earlier visit to Medan. The MoU encompassed the promotion of tourism locations in both countries and news sharing.
The Indonesian delegation was brought to Movie Animation Park Studio (MAPS), mini craft centre at Terminal Amanjaya and Sultan Azlan Shah Roundabout in Meru. The visitors were served bubur anak lebah (porridge with rice grains resembling little bees), rendang tok (fried dried beef curry) and madu kelulut (stingless bee honey).
The finale was a friendly futsal match between guests and hosts. It ended in a hard-fought draw.
Rosli Mansor
