Basri Marzuki: Preserving Stories Through the Lens

Palu (ANTARA) - The press community in Central Sulawesi has lost one of its finest figures. Basri Marzuki, a senior journalist, photojournalist, and Press Council Expert, affectionately known as BMZ, passed away on Friday (19/6/2026) at the Anutapura Regional General Hospital (RSUD) in Palu. Born in Maros, South Sulawesi, on 21 July 1968, Basri Marzuki dedicated most of his life to journalism and became an integral part of the press landscape in Central Sulawesi. His passing leaves deep sorrow for his family, friends, and the journalistic community in the region.

For many journalists, the late Basri was not just a colleague, but a figure who bore witness to various important events in the area through his camera, his loyalty to facts, and his unwavering diligence. This dedication was evident even in his final days. A day before his passing, he was still in the field covering the post-earthquake situation in Sigi Regency. Amidst conditions that had not fully recovered, he continued to carry out his duties, a task he had pursued for decades. Just hours before he took his last breath, he was also photographing a traditional ritual activity in Sigi Regency. During the activity, he collapsed and was rushed to Anutapura Regional Hospital in Palu, where he later passed away.

His journalistic journey began at Harian Mercusuar. From there, he grew into a diligent journalist closely connected to community life. His career continued at Radar Sulteng (now Radar Palu), covering a range of issues from the economy and governance to social and humanitarian affairs. His skill and perseverance later led him to join LKBN ANTARA as a photojournalist in Palu. Since then, his name became increasingly recognised as a figure always present at important events in Central Sulawesi. Through his lens, he captured the pulse of life in Central Sulawesi. He was present in crowds and solitude, in celebrations and sorrow, immortalising moments that became part of the collective memory of the community. Earthquakes, floods, community activities, regional development, and various events shaping Central Sulawesi’s journey were all recorded through his camera. Many of the photographs he produced became important documentation, holding not only journalistic value but also serving as a visual archive of the region’s history.

His skill and diligence in photography made his work widely known. Through the National News Agency ANTARA, the photos he produced not only served as a source of information for the public but also recorded many significant events occurring in Central Sulawesi and its surrounding areas. Behind his various assignments and professional achievements, the deceased was known as a humble, friendly, and approachable person. Head of the ANTARA Central Sulawesi Bureau, Andilala, remembered the deceased as a widely known figure who maintained good relations with many circles. Although he only knew him since his assignment in Central Sulawesi in January 2023, Andilala assessed the late Basri Marzuki as a friendly and respected figure, both within ANTARA and among fellow photojournalists. “The deceased was well-known, kind, and respected, both within the ANTARA Central Sulawesi Bureau and among photojournalist colleagues,” he said. According to Andilala, the deceased had become part of the identity of ANTARA Central Sulawesi because almost everyone involved in journalism knew him.

One lasting memory for him was accompanying the late Basri Marzuki during a journalism training session held by the Banggai Kepulauan Regency Government in August 2023. In that activity, Basri shared knowledge on basic photography techniques with participants, while Andilala, together with Santoso, delivered material on news writing techniques. Another memory was when they both participated in a Media Gathering with PT Vale in Sorowako, South Sulawesi, in July 2025, alongside dozens of journalists from Central and South Sulawesi. “From that, I got to know the deceased again, who was not only great at photography but also great at socialising, so that everyone knew him,” Andilala said.

A deep impression also came from a fellow photojournalist at the ANTARA Central Sulawesi Bureau, Hamzah. For him, the late Basri Marzuki was a figure who showed high dedication to the profession he loved. “Pak Basri was a highly dedicated person. In his work, he was always total, always striving to give the best results, and never complained despite facing various challenges in the field. He was a figure who always wanted to ensure journalistic tasks were carried out properly,” he said. According to Hamzah, this dedication was visible not only in his work as a photojournalist but also in his personal life as a head of the family.

Beyond his journalistic activities, the late Basri Marzuki was also active in professional organisations. He once served on the Ethics Council of the Alliance of Independent Journalists (AJI) Palu and was entrusted to lead the Indonesian Photojournalists (PFI) Palu. From within these organisations, he fought for professionalism and press freedom, while also creating a learning space for many young journalists. For the younger generation, he was not a distant figure. He was easy to discuss with, generous in sharing experiences, and always open to anyone wanting to learn. His long experience and the integrity he maintained throughout his career eventually led him to be trusted as a Press Council Expert. This mandate was a form of recognition for his dedication and commitment to journalistic values. Now, Basri Marzuki has passed away. Yet his legacy lives on in every photograph he produced, in the events he captured, and in the memory of those who knew him.