Gentala Institute Strengthens Indonesia-China Media Cooperation Bridge
Gentala Institute took part in the 2026 ASEAN-China Media Cooperation Forum held on 9 June 2026 in Shenyang, Liaoning Province, China. The forum, themed “Media Convergence for Shared Growth: Opening A New Chapter in ASEAN-China Comprehensive Strategic Partnership”, was organised by the ASEAN-China Centre (ACC) in collaboration with the China International Communications Group (CICG). Gentala Institute joined stakeholders from ASEAN countries and China, including government representatives, international organisations, media, academics, and communications and technology industry players. The forum served as a strategic platform to discuss the role of media in strengthening ASEAN-China relations amid accelerating digital transformation.
Various discussion sessions and dialogues highlighted the importance of cross-border collaboration in building an inclusive, credible, and shared-development-oriented information ecosystem. According to an official statement, Helda Chandra, Managing Partner of Gentala Institute, stated that the forum demonstrated how media cooperation is no longer merely about information exchange, but has evolved into an important instrument for building cross-cultural understanding, strengthening people-to-people ties, and driving economic and creative collaboration in the region.
“ASEAN and China relations will be stronger if supported by effective communication, deeper cultural understanding, and narratives that build trust between the peoples of both sides. Media has a strategic role as a bridge that spans differences and strengthens cooperation,” said Helda Chandra. During the forum, participants discussed two main themes: the social responsibility of media in the modern era and media innovation and development in the digital age. Discussions emphasised the importance of leveraging new technologies, enhancing media human resource capacity, strengthening digital literacy, and developing content that promotes mutual understanding and shared growth.
On the same occasion, the ASEAN-China Centre and CICG also launched two new initiatives: the ASEAN-China Social Media Content Creators Programme and the 2026 ASEAN-China Youth Cultural Heritage Tour Series, aimed at strengthening cultural exchange and people-to-people relations through various digital platforms and collaborative activities. In addition to the main forum, participants also took part in supporting activities such as the ASEAN-China Media Professionals Capacity Building Training Programme, the ASEAN-China Media Dialogue, and an exhibition of intangible cultural heritage from Liaoning Province. Delegates also conducted field visits to various urban governance, technology, public welfare, and cultural tourism projects in Shenyang and Dalian. Gentala Institute’s participation in this forum aligns with the institution’s commitment to promoting cross-cultural dialogue, strengthening Indonesia-China relations, and building sustainable collaboration in media, communications, creative economy, and public relations.