FJPI North Sumatra, Japanese Consulate in Medan Deepen Cooperation on Women Journalists Empowerment

MEDAN | INDATANEWS.COM – The Indonesian Forum Jurnalis Perempuan Indonesia (FJPI) North Sumatra is expanding its international cooperation efforts, with a strong emphasis on strengthening women journalists. This commitment was highlighted during an official audience with the Consulate General of Japan in Medan on Tuesday, June 9, 2026.

The meeting took place at the Japanese Consulate General office in the Sinar Mas Building on Jalan Diponegoro, Medan, in a warm and cordial atmosphere. Japanese Vice Consul Furunobu Koichi personally received the FJPI North Sumatra delegation.

The engagement marks an important initial step toward a more strategic partnership between both parties, particularly in the areas of journalism training, media literacy, and cultural exchange programs.

Empowering Women Journalists at the Core

The FJPI North Sumatra delegation was represented by Secretary Puput Juliati Damanik, Deputy Secretary Irin Juwita, Deputy Treasurer Anita, Agustina from Organizational Development, Laura Silalahi from Public Relations, Swisma from Research and Development, Sri Endang from Business and Event Management, and Indah as Head of Digital Media.

Representing Chairperson Khairunnisak Lubis, Puput Juliati Damanik introduced the organization, which is dedicated to empowering, protecting, and advancing women journalists in Indonesia. She also highlighted FJPI's active role in supporting women's creative economy through various collaborative programs at both local and national levels.

"The FJPI is now present in 18 provinces across Indonesia. We are especially proud that the organization was founded in Medan in 2007, making North Sumatra a historical cornerstone as its birthplace," she stated.

Training Programs and International Collaboration

In addition to organizational introductions, FJPI North Sumatra presented several ongoing initiatives, including the GenSi (Generasi Terkoneksi) seminar held at SMA Negeri 6 Binjai in collaboration with a national telecommunications company. The organization also conducts various skill development workshops for journalists.

The discussion then developed into an open forum exploring potential cooperation. FJPI offered journalism training programs focusing on professional coverage of women's issues in the media, as well as opportunities to invite Japanese experts as guest speakers.

The atmosphere became more informal and engaging during a luncheon featuring Japanese bento dishes hosted by Vice Consul Furunobu Koichi, where ideas were exchanged more freely.

Culture and Media as a Bridge of Cooperation

Beyond journalism, the two sides also explored cultural collaboration opportunities. One of the highlights was Ikebana, the traditional Japanese art of flower arrangement, which may be introduced as part of future joint educational and creative programs.

"Vice Consul Furunobu Koichi has expressed plans to organize an Ikebana workshop in the near future. This could be integrated with FJPI's existing activities, including Canva design training for marketing purposes," Puput Juliati Damanik explained.

FJPI also expressed openness to establishing media partnerships to support educational and cultural events organized by the Japanese Consulate in Medan, aiming to broaden outreach and strengthen institutional visibility.

A Symbol of Friendship

At the end of the meeting, Secretary Puput Juliati Damanik presented a handcrafted flower bouquet to Vice Consul Furunobu Koichi as a gesture of friendship and future collaboration.

Koichi expressed his appreciation for the visit and conveyed hope for concrete joint programs ahead.

"We sincerely thank FJPI North Sumatra for this friendly visit and hope we can implement future activities together to further strengthen this relationship," he said. (IDNC)

REPORTER: Sri Endang Lasmiaty | EDITOR: Fik Sagala

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