A. Muhammad Afdal Elected First Chairman of IJAS Selayar

SUARA NEGERI ■ SELAYAR — Journalists from various media outlets in the Selayar Islands Regency have officially established the Selayar Journalists Association (IJAS), marking a new chapter in efforts to strengthen press solidarity and professionalism in the region. At the organization's inaugural meeting on Monday, A. Muhammad Afdal was unanimously elected as its first chairman.

The declaration took place simply at the Titan Coffee Shop on Monday (June 22nd).

The formation of IJAS was agreed upon through a meeting attended by members of the press in the Selayar Islands. At the forum, A. Muhammad Afdal was entrusted and unanimously agreed upon as the first Chairman of IJAS.

The elected Chairman of IJAS, A. Muhammad Afdal, stated that the establishment of the organization was an important step in strengthening the solidarity and unity of journalists in the Selayar Islands.

"IJAS exists as a unifying forum for journalists in the Selayar Islands. We want to build togetherness, strengthen professionalism, and make this organization a shared home for all journalists," Afdal said.

According to him, IJAS is not only focused on the interests of the journalism profession, but is also committed to making a real contribution to regional development through the press's role as a conduit of information, social control, and a bridge of communication between the community and the government.

"IJAS will strive to contribute to the development of Selayar. We want to be a forum that voices the various needs and aspirations of the community that may not have been fully conveyed," he continued.

Afdal emphasized that the press plays a strategic role as a public voice. Therefore, the existence of IJAS is expected to strengthen this function so that various regional issues, needs, and potential can be widely known and become a shared concern.

He also hopes that the various aspirations conveyed by the public through the media can provide input for the Selayar Islands Regency Government in improving services and accelerating regional development.

"We hope that every need and expectation from the public expressed through the media can provide constructive input for the regional government to continue improving and implementing policies that favor the people," he said.

With the establishment of IJAS, journalists in the Selayar Islands hope to further strengthen synergy among journalists, maintain journalistic independence and professionalism, and participate in driving the progress of the Selayar Islands Regency. (Bang Rasyid)