Said Abdullah Receives Award from PWI East Java

The Indonesian Journalists’ Association (PWI) East Java held the commemoration of National Press Day (HPN) 2026 at the Dyandra Convention Hall in Surabaya on Thursday (15/4/2026).

At the peak of the event, Said Abdullah, who also serves as Chairman of the East Java Chapter of PDI Perjuangan, received an award from PWI East Java.

PWI East Java assessed that Said Abdullah plays an important role in maintaining fiscal policies that favour the people. PWI East Java Chairman, Lutfi El Hakim, stated that Said is also considered capable of keeping fiscal conditions healthy amid economic pressures.

“Mr Said, a Madura figure and Chairman of the DPR’s Budget Committee, whom we assess as playing an important role in maintaining pro-people fiscal policies. Together with the Finance Minister, he has managed to keep finances healthy amid economic pressures due to rising oil prices, so fuel prices did not increase,” said Lutfi in a written statement on Friday (17/4/2026).

“Therefore, we consider him the right figure to receive this award. Of course, we hope he continues to consistently oversee a pro-people State Budget in the coming years,” he added.

In response to the award, Said Abdullah expressed his profound gratitude to PWI East Java.

“There are no words I can say other than an expression of thanks to my colleagues at PWI East Java for this award. Although in truth, I feel I am not yet worthy of receiving this award,” said Said.

“I hope the press remains the fourth pillar of democracy. The press as a tool for controlling power, both us in the DPR and the running of the government, including local government, so that it always serves as a reminder, ensuring that the exercise of power truly benefits the people,” he added.

Finally, Said extended National Press Day greetings to press workers. He views journalism as a noble and proud profession, playing an important role as a “window” for the public to see the world. He also urged media practitioners to remain objective and committed to the truth.

At the PWI East Java HPN 2026 event, several figures received awards; besides Said Abdullah, Surabaya Mayor Eri Cahyadi, who is also a PDI Perjuangan cadre, received an award from PWI East Java.

Eri Cahyadi received the award in the category of a regional leader capable of making breakthroughs and innovations that result in responsive and progressive leadership.