The conflict within the Indonesian Journalists Association (PWI) due to dual leadership is expected to end soon. Both factions have agreed to hold a joint congress on August 29-30, 2025, at BPPTIK Komdigi, Cikarang, Bekasi Regency.

The congress committee has allocated 88 votes for the upcoming congress. From this number, North Sumatra (Sumut) has been allotted 4 votes.

As is known, PWI North Sumatra is also divided into two leadership groups: one led by Farianda Putra Sinik as Chairman and SR Hamonangan Panggabean as Secretary, and the other led by Austin Tumengkol and Ahmad Rivai Parinduri as Acting Chairman and Secretary of PWI North Sumatra.

Farianda confirmed that his group will attend the PWI congress by sending 2 participants and 5 observers.

However, Farianda did not disclose the names of the participants and observers who will attend the congress, one of the agendas of which is to elect a new chairman.

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As reported, the 2025 PWI Unity Congress Committee has finalized the Permanent Voter List (DPT), which will serve as the valid basis for the election of the new chairman during the Unity Congress on August 29-30, 2025.

The DPT follows the composition of voting rights from the XXV PWI Congress in Bandung, with a total of 88 votes from all provinces and one autonomous region.

According to the chairman of the PWI Congress SC, Zulkifli Gani Ottoh, during a joint meeting of the SC and OC of the Unity Congress at the Press Council Hall, Kebon Sirih, Jakarta, on Thursday (7/8/2025), based on the Bandung Congress DPT, Banten was initially allocated three votes. However, following an SC agreement to validate two PWI Banten leaderships, it was decided that Banten would have two votes.

These two votes were equally divided between the two PWI Banten chairpersons. Thus, the total number of votes in the 2025 PWI Unity Congress is 87.

Regarding North Sumatra, which is only sending 2 participants out of the 4 allocated by the OC committee, Farianda has not yet responded to confirmation requests.

BPPTIK Komdigi

BPPTIK Komdigi (Balai Pelatihan dan Pengembangan Teknologi Informasi dan Komunikasi Komdigi) is an Indonesian training and development center focused on digital technology and ICT (Information and Communication Technology). Established under the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology, it provides education and skill-building programs to support Indonesia’s digital transformation. The center plays a key role in advancing digital literacy and innovation in the country.

Press Council Hall

The **Press Council Hall** is a significant venue often associated with media governance and freedom of speech, typically serving as the headquarters or meeting place for a national press council. These councils, found in various countries, are usually independent bodies that uphold journalistic ethics, handle complaints, and promote responsible journalism. The history of such halls varies by location but generally reflects the evolution of press self-regulation in democratic societies.

Kebon Sirih

Kebon Sirih is a historic area in Central Jakarta, Indonesia, known for its cultural significance and colonial-era heritage. The name, which means “Betel Leaf Garden,” reflects its past as a betel nut plantation during the Dutch colonial period. Today, it is a bustling urban district with a mix of traditional markets, government buildings, and remnants of its colonial past.

Jakarta

Jakarta, the capital city of Indonesia, is a bustling metropolis with a rich history dating back to the 4th century as a Hindu port city. It later became a major trading hub under Dutch colonial rule in the 17th century, known as Batavia. Today, Jakarta is a vibrant cultural and economic center, blending modern skyscrapers with historic landmarks like the Old Town (Kota Tua) and the National Monument (Monas).

Bandung

Bandung, the capital of West Java, Indonesia, is a vibrant city known for its cool climate, colonial architecture, and thriving arts and culinary scene. Established by the Dutch in the early 19th century, it became a popular highland retreat and was later the site of the 1955 Asia-Africa Conference, a key event in the Non-Aligned Movement. Today, Bandung is a bustling hub for education, fashion, and tourism, blending modern urban life with cultural heritage.

North Sumatra

North Sumatra is a province in Indonesia known for its diverse culture, stunning landscapes, and rich history. It is home to Lake Toba, the largest volcanic lake in the world, formed by a massive eruption around 74,000 years ago. The region also has a multicultural heritage, with influences from the Batak people, Malay kingdoms, and Dutch colonialism.

Banten

Banten, located in western Java, Indonesia, was a major Islamic sultanate from the 16th to 18th centuries and a thriving port for trade with Europe and Asia. The historic Banten Lama (Old Banten) area contains remnants of its grand past, including the Great Mosque of Banten (built in the 16th century) and the ruins of the Surosowan Palace. Today, it is an important archaeological and cultural site, reflecting the region’s role in spreading Islam and its colonial-era conflicts with the Dutch.

Cikarang

Cikarang is an industrial and suburban area located in Bekasi Regency, West Java, Indonesia, known for its rapid development as a major manufacturing and business hub. Historically a rural region, it transformed in the late 20th century with the establishment of industrial estates like Jababeka, attracting both domestic and international companies. While primarily industrial, Cikarang also retains some traditional Sundanese cultural influences amidst its modernization.