Maluku Provincial Government and ANTARA collaborate to enhance regional development reporting

Ambon (ANTARA) - The Maluku Provincial Government has strengthened collaboration with the National News Agency (LKBN) ANTARA to support regional development reporting through the dissemination of accurate, balanced, and data-driven information to the public. Governor Maluku Hendrik Lewerissa in Ambon on Tuesday said ANTARA, as a national news agency, plays a strategic role in delivering credible development information and serving as a public reference amid widespread unverified information. “ANTARA, as a national news agency, has a wide network and strong credibility, enabling it to be a trusted information source for the public. The Maluku Provincial Government appreciates ANTARA’s synergy and collaboration in fairly publicising government programs,” Hendrik said during a meeting with LKBN ANTARA Maluku. According to Hendrik, the public must receive precise, accurate, and data-based information to avoid easily accepting raw information from unreliable sources. “Therefore, we are grateful and take balanced reporting seriously to ensure the public receives correct information,” he added. During the meeting, Hendrik also outlined several priority programs of the Maluku Provincial Government focused on regional development, including addressing substandard housing for low-income communities, expanding electricity access to remote areas, and providing clean water. He mentioned one flagship program, “Manggurebe Biking Bae Rumah”, which involves constructing and renovating substandard homes (RTLH) with direct community involvement in the construction process. The program provides a pure APBD stimulus of Rp35 million per unit to ensure material quality and construction standards. “The target is to build or rehabilitate 5,000 units gradually by 2029, with an initial phase aiming to complete 204 units,” he said. Additionally, the Maluku Provincial Government is giving special attention to housing construction for communities in villages affected by social conflict and disasters in Maluku. He noted that housing development is not just about providing decent shelter but is also a crucial part of social and psychological recovery for communities post-conflict or disaster. Meanwhile, Acting Head of ANTARA Maluku Bureau Luqman Hakim said the meeting was a key moment to strengthen communication and synergy between LKBN ANTARA and the Maluku Provincial Government. As a state-owned news agency, ANTARA plays a role in disseminating information about development programs and Maluku’s local potentials through credible, accurate, and balanced reporting in text, photo, and video formats. “With ANTARA’s extensive network, we are ready to be a strategic partner for the regional government in strengthening public communication and promoting Maluku at national and international levels,” Luqman said.