Zulmansyah Sekedang, Guardian of the Press's Honour

The early morning sky gave no signs that day. Time passed ordinarily until the news shattered the silence: Zulmansyah Sekedang passed away on Saturday, 18 April 2026, due to a heart attack. His departure felt sudden, but the legacy he left was never brief. Behind the figure known for his calm demeanour lay a long journey as an organiser, journalist, and guardian of the profession’s honour. He was not the type of leader who sought the spotlight. Instead, from that calmness emerged a steadfastness that bound many threads within the Indonesian Journalists’ Association (PWI). During phases when the organisation was rocked by internal conflicts, his presence became one of the anchors that kept it on course. This passing is not merely a personal loss. It opens space for reflection on how the Indonesian press interprets leadership, integrity, and the future of journalism amid the pressures of the times. Selflessness One of the most compelling aspects of Zulmansyah’s journey was his rare explicit display of selflessness, yet it was felt in every major decision. In the dynamics following PWI’s internal conflicts, he stood at a crucial juncture when the organisation needed more than just a strong figure or one capable of calming tensions. The 2024 Extraordinary Congress became a turning point. At that time, the organisation was under strain, even marked by structural divisions. In such situations, the choice to compromise is often seen as a weakness, but Zulmansyah demonstrated the opposite. He accepted a leadership configuration that positioned him as General Secretary alongside Akhmad Munir. That choice was not merely about the position but a strategy to nurture the organisation and prevent it from becoming mired in prolonged conflicts. This attitude revealed one important thing: leadership in a professional organisation is not always determined by the highest position but by the ability to maintain continuity. In the context of PWI, that step helped restore stability, regain trust, and reunite the energy of journalists from various regions. It is here that the value of selflessness finds its most concrete meaning. It is not merely a personal attitude but an organisational instrument. When ego is subdued, space for collaboration opens up. And when collaboration grows, the organisation rediscovers its relevance. This experience becomes an important lesson for Indonesia’s press ecosystem, which often faces fragmentation. In an era where polarisation easily occurs, an inclusive attitude and willingness to share roles become the primary foundation for institutional sustainability. Safeguarding Journalism’s Boundaries Beyond organisational dynamics, Zulmansyah’s most important legacy lies in his consistent emphasis on basic journalistic values. He repeatedly reminded that the journalistic profession must not proceed without boundaries. The three pillars he always stressed were compliance with the Press Law, the Journalistic Code of Ethics, and Press Council regulations. These principles are simple, but in practice, they pose significant challenges amid changes in the media landscape.