SERANG-For a change, dozens of journalists stepped away from their usual reporting routines and picked up fishing rods instead. They took part in a fishing and fish-catching competition organized by the Serang City Journalists Working Group (PWKS) at Sarman Fishing Pond in Tembong.
The event was held as part of celebrations marking the 19th anniversary of Serang City and the 81st anniversary of Indonesia’s Independence Day. More than just a competition, however, the gathering provided an opportunity to strengthen ties between journalists, local government officials, and the wider community in a relaxed setting.
Serang Deputy Mayor Nur Agis Aulia attended the event and praised the initiative organized by PWKS. He said activities like this can help foster communication while strengthening cooperation between members of the press and the Serang City Government.
“The most important thing about this event is the opportunity to strengthen our ties. Journalists from Serang City, the province, and various government agencies can come together. Hopefully, activities like this can continue and further strengthen collaboration between PWKS and the Serang City Government,” Agis said on Sunday (Aug. 2).
Agis also highlighted the positive values associated with fishing, a pastime enjoyed by many people. He said the activity reflects the importance of patience, a quality that is also essential in serving the public.
“I think this is an interesting idea. In the future, perhaps it could even be organized between government agencies, or between government agencies and journalists. Fishing teaches patience, and patience is also needed when carrying out our duties to serve the community,” he said.
The event also gave Agis an opportunity to exchange views with several senior journalists. Discussions touched on a range of issues and suggestions related to the development and future progress of Serang City.
Agis stressed that developing Serang City requires the involvement of many stakeholders. The local government, he said, cannot work alone and needs support and cooperation from the media, the public, and other stakeholders.
“Our hope is that Serang City will continue to improve. The government cannot develop this city on its own. Collaboration among all stakeholders is needed, including our journalist colleagues and the community. Earlier, I also received a lot of input on how to make Serang City even more progressive,” he said.
PWKS Serang City Chairman Darmawija, popularly known as Jay, also expressed his appreciation to everyone who contributed to the success of the event.
Jay specifically thanked Serang Mayor Budi Rustandi, Deputy Mayor Nur Agis Aulia, the Serang City Regional House of Representatives (DPRD), various local government agencies, and donors from different sectors for their support.
“Essentially, this event is an opportunity to strengthen ties. We would like to thank everyone who supported us and helped ensure that the event could be held successfully,” Jay said.
Meanwhile, event committee chairman Rifki Juliana explained why the fishing competition was held on Aug. 2, even though Serang City’s anniversary falls on Aug. 10.
He said the date was chosen after considering participants’ availability, the schedules of those involved, and the need to avoid clashes with other events.
“The spirit of Serang City’s anniversary does not have to be celebrated only on the exact date. It can already be felt from the beginning of the month. That is why we chose Aug. 2, so participants would have more flexibility to attend and the sense of togetherness could be stronger,” Rifki explained.
Rifki added that fishing was deliberately chosen because the activity carries values that he believes are closely connected to both journalism and the process of regional development.
He said fishing requires patience, attentiveness, strategy, and the ability to recognize the right moment to act in order to achieve the desired result.
“The philosophy of fishing is simple, but its meaning runs deep. A person fishing must be patient, observant, and know when to pull the hook. Those values are also needed by journalists when gathering facts, verifying information, and producing accurate news. The same applies to developing a region — everything requires process, patience, and cooperation,” he said.
The event also received support from various parties, both from within the Serang City Government and from external partners.
Support from the city government came through the mayor, deputy mayor, city council, and several regional government agencies. External support included Bank BJB, Bank Banten, PT Chandra Asri, the Banten Regional Traffic Directorate, Serang City Police, Serang Police, the Banten Provincial General Elections Commission (KPU), Banten Creative Festival, PT Mayora Indah, the Indonesian Youth National Committee (KNPI), PT ASDP Indonesia Ferry, as well as support from the city of Payakumbuh. (CR02).
