Friday, 25 September 2026
TOBA | INDATANEWS.COM - The Indonesian Female Journalists Forum (FJPI) in North Sumatra is exploring cooperation with the Toba Regency Government to strengthen the skills of women journalists and promote local products produced by micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
The potential cooperation was discussed during a meeting between the FJPI North Sumatra board and Toba Deputy Regent Audi Murphy O Sitorus. The meeting was held on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, at the Toba Regent's Office in Balige.During the meeting, FJPI North Sumatra presented several ideas that could be implemented jointly with the Toba Regency Government. These included journalism training and the promotion of MSME products from Toba as part of the celebrations marking FJPI North Sumatra's 19th anniversary, scheduled to take place in Medan in December 2026.
FJPI North Sumatra Chairwoman Khairunnisak Lubis said the planned cooperation was in line with the organization's commitment to strengthening the capabilities of women journalists while also supporting broader economic participation among local communities.According to Khairunnisak, women entrepreneurs in the MSME sector are among the groups that could benefit from promotional and product-presentation opportunities at various FJPI events. She said Toba Regency has considerable potential in terms of local products that could be introduced to a wider audience.
Khairunnisak explained that FJPI now has a presence in 18 provinces and brings together women journalists from various media organizations. This development has provided the organization with a network capable of supporting a range of journalistic activities and programs aimed at empowering women.
FJPI North Sumatra also has experience organizing journalism training programs and various activities focused on women's empowerment. Therefore, the organization sees cooperation with the Toba Regency Government as an opportunity to develop programs that can benefit both women journalists and the wider community.One of the proposed forms of cooperation is journalism training in collaboration with the Toba Communication and Informatics Agency. The program could serve as a platform for improving professional skills while also strengthening the ability of women journalists to produce quality information for the public.
In addition to skills development, FJPI North Sumatra is offering local MSME producers from Toba an opportunity to showcase their products during the organization's 19th anniversary celebrations. The event is expected to bring together women journalists, members of the public, and entrepreneurs from various regions.FJPI North Sumatra believes the occasion can be used to introduce local products from Toba, particularly products managed or produced by women. Presenting the products at the organizational event is expected to increase their visibility and provide access to a broader network.
Audi said the Toba Regency Government, through its Cooperatives, MSMEs, Trade and Industry Agency, has continued to involve local entrepreneurs in various promotional and marketing activities.
The participation of local businesses in promotional events is part of the Toba Regency Government's efforts to introduce regional products to a wider audience. For that reason, Audi said showcasing Toba products at an FJPI event could be an opportunity that warrants further discussion.Regarding the invitation to participate in FJPI North Sumatra's 19th anniversary celebrations, Audi recommended that the FJPI board continue coordinating with the relevant agencies. Discussions would include preparations, the types of products to be displayed, and the support required for participation.
Audi also expressed hope that FJPI's continued existence would contribute to further professional development and strengthen the role of its members. In his view, women journalists have an important role in carrying out their professional duties while also helping build a culture of protection and care within families and society."As women journalists, and since some of our members are also housewives, we hope FJPI North Sumatra can contribute to educating and guiding families. This caring attitude should also be reflected in professional and ethical work when carrying out their duties in the field," he said.
Through these activities, FJPI North Sumatra is opening an opportunity for local MSMEs from Toba to introduce their products to its network of women journalists and event visitors. Women-led MSMEs will also receive particular attention as part of efforts to promote women's economic participation.
The MSME exhibition during the FJPI anniversary celebrations will provide entrepreneurs from Toba with an opportunity to showcase their products outside the regency. Beyond direct product promotion, the event could also create a space for interaction between MSME actors and the network of women journalists.Cooperation in the MSME sector could also be linked to programs designed to strengthen journalistic skills. FJPI North Sumatra and the Toba Regency Government therefore also discussed plans for journalism training in cooperation with the Toba Communication and Informatics Agency as a follow-up to the meeting.
Implementation of the program is expected to be prepared through coordination between the parties involved to determine the format of the event and the respective needs. FJPI North Sumatra and the Toba Regency Government are expected to develop a program that meets the needs of women journalists while also supporting the dissemination of information about the region's potential.Also attending the meeting were Rikardo Simamora, Head of the PIKP Division at the Toba Communication and Informatics Agency, and Sofian Sitorus, Head of the Toba Cooperatives, MSMEs, Trade and Industry Agency.
Representing FJPI North Sumatra were Secretary Puput Julianti Damanik, Secretary of the Organizing Committee for the 19th FJPI Anniversary in North Sumatra Laura Silalahi, and Sri Endang, a member of the FJPI North Sumatra MSME and Event Organization Division.The meeting marked an initial step for FJPI North Sumatra and the Toba Regency Government to strengthen communication and develop more concrete forms of cooperation.
The discussions focused on two areas: strengthening journalistic skills and promoting local MSMEs. Through coordination with the relevant agencies, both sides can develop these opportunities into concrete activities that strengthen the professionalism of women journalists while helping introduce MSME products from Toba Regency to a wider audience. (IDNC)REPORTER: Sri Endang Lasmiaty | EDITOR: Fik Sagala
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