CCN, CILEGON – The Forum Wartawan Kebudayaan (FORWARD) or Cultural Journalists Forum was officially inaugurated on Saturday (October 25, 2025), at the Setda II Hall of the Cilegon City Government. The event marked a historic milestone—the birth of a new platform for journalists who are deeply concerned about cultural and humanitarian values amid the rapid flow of modern information.
In his remarks, FORWARD Chairman Rizal Arif Baihaqi emphasized that the inauguration was not merely ceremonial but signified the emergence of a new consciousness within the press—that journalism cannot be separated from the cultural roots and moral conscience of society.
“Today, we are not merely witnessing an inauguration; we are recording a new history. This is a small step with great meaning for the journey of culture and journalism in Cilegon, in Banten, and even in Indonesia,” Rizal stated in his speech.
He continued, explaining that FORWARD was born out of concern over the growing trend of media drifting away from the essence and meaning of culture.
“FORWARD is not here to compete with anyone, but to complement. We aim to revive the spiritual and cultural essence of journalism. For us, journalists are not just messengers of news but guardians of collective memory and chroniclers of everyday history,” he asserted.
Rizal further stressed that FORWARD is not affiliated with any political power or interest, but rather driven by awareness—that a nation that loses its culture loses its direction, and development without culture only builds structures without soul.
FORWARD also reminded local governments to be more attentive to cultural agendas. According to Rizal, public policies without cultural dimensions will lack humanity and local identity.
“If the government today is insensitive to cultural agendas, then something is wrong with our perspective on development. A regional leader who neglects culture is the same as abandoning the roots of their people’s identity,” he said.
Responding to the formation of FORWARD, Ayatullah Khumaeni, Chairman of the Cilegon City Cultural Council, welcomed the new forum with optimism. He viewed FORWARD’s establishment as a vital milestone in fostering collaboration between cultural practitioners and media professionals in Cilegon.
Ayatullah affirmed that the media plays a crucial role in cultural development. He noted that journalists are not only tasked with delivering information but also with safeguarding values, shaping public perception, and spreading inspiration.
“The presence of FORWARD is not merely the birth of a new organization but a manifestation of the spirit of collaboration between cultural figures and the media,” Ayatullah said.
He expressed hope that FORWARD would become a wise platform for communicating cultural information—one that writes with truth, honesty, and moral responsibility.
“Thoughtful reporting can build public understanding, strengthen regional identity, and preserve the dignity of cultural practitioners,” he emphasized.
Support for FORWARD’s establishment also came from various circles, including the Cilegon City Youth Forum. Its chairman, Sohihul Hadis, conveyed his appreciation for the birth of this new forum for cultural journalists.
“On behalf of the Cilegon City Youth Forum, we extend our congratulations and best wishes for the establishment and inauguration of the Cultural Journalists Forum (FORWARD) of Cilegon City. May its presence bring new light to the world of journalism and culture in Cilegon, delivering news that is not only informative but also raises awareness of the importance of preserving local cultural values,” Sohihul said.
He further stressed that FORWARD is more than a professional organization—it is a moral movement that unites the spirit of culture with the integrity of journalism.
“With the spirit of synergy and togetherness, FORWARD is not merely a forum, but a moral movement that breathes life into cultural values through the power of information and journalistic integrity,” he concluded.
The inauguration of FORWARD is expected to become a turning point for the emergence of cultural journalism that is ethical, rooted, and grounded in local values—a small movement that brings a great light to the future of Indonesian culture. (***)
