Antrian playlist

Sahur Bersama Pof. Dr. KH. Nasaruddin Umar, MA ( Imam Masjid Istiqlal ) bagian 2

Sahur Bersama Prof. Dr. KH. Nasaruddin Umar, MA ( Imam Masjid Istiqlal )

Sahur bersama Prof. Dr. Ir. Kadarsah Suryadi, DEA ( Rektor ITB )

Sahur bersama Prof. Dr. Ir. Kadarsah Suryadi, DEA ( Rektor ITB ) bagian 2

Sahur bersama Dr. KH. Anwar Abbas, M.M, M.Ag ( Sekjen MUI ) bagian 1

Sahur bersama Dr. KH. Anwar Abbas, M.M, M.Ag ( Sekjen MUI ) bagian 2

Sahur bersama Dra. Ustadzah Herlini Amran bagian 2

Sahur bersama Dra. Ustadzah Herlini Amran bagian 1

Sahur bersama H. Helmi Hasan, SE bagian 2 ( Walikota bengkulu )

Sahur bersama H. Helmi Hasan, SE ( Walikota bengkulu )

Sahur bersama Ustadzah Hj. Lulung Ummu Mumtaza bagian 1

Sahur Bersama Tokoh "Aat Surya Safaat"

Name: Sahur Bersama Tokoh "Aat Surya Safaat"
Uploaded: 2016-08-11T11:04:49Z
Description: Video Sahur Bersama Tokoh "Aat Surya Safaat" dari Radio Silaturahim.

Rasil TVDipublikasikan: 11 Agustus 20161.1rb views

Transkrip diambil dari YouTube. Klik timestamp biru untuk melompat ke posisi tersebut di pemutar.

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious
, the Most Merciful. All praise is due
to Allah, Lord of the worlds. Peace and
blessings be upon the Messenger of
Allah, and upon his family, his
companions, and those who follow him.
Peace be upon you, and Allah's mercy
and blessings. Brothers and sisters who
are blessed by Allah. We are very happy
to meet you again in the program "
Suhoor with Figures." Accompanying our
brothers and sisters who are at home or
perhaps already on their way,
especially those at home who are
currently preparing their suhoor meal,
for the ladies, or those who are
already having their suhoor. As usual,
brothers and sisters, we will be
chatting with a figure who, God willing
, will provide inspiration for all of
us in this holy month of Ramadan.
Alright, brothers and sisters. Our
guest, our figure for this occasion, is
the Director of News at LKBN Antara, or
the Antara News Agency. He is Mr. Aad
Suryafaat. Peace be upon you, and
Allah's mercy and blessings, Sir. And
peace be upon you, and Allah's mercy
and blessings.
Good to see you, Sir. Yes,
praise be to Allah. Praise be to Allah.
First, we would like to say thank you
for giving us your time for this visit,
Sir. It's
my pleasure. I am also grateful to be
able to visit with you.
Yes. Even though I heard you just got
back from Lampung, right?
Yes. We arrived from Lampung this dawn.
Praise be to Allah, Sir. Yes. Right.
Alright, Mr. Aad. We would like to get
some inspiration from you, Mr. Aad.
Perhaps just a light conversation, Mr.
Aad. Yes.
Perhaps we would like to know, and the
viewers at home would like to know, who
exactly is Mr. Aad? Could you tell us a
little bit about your background before
you became the Director of News at
Antara, maybe where you are originally
from, and your educational background?
Please, Sir.
Alright, thank you. I was born in
Pandeglang, Banten, on December 20,
1963. One of six siblings. And I
finished my elementary school, junior
high school, and senior high school in
Pandeglang. Then my university studies
were at the tip of Java, in East Java.
Oh.
For my undergraduate degree, I took
International Relations. I was accepted
into the International Relations study
program at Airlangga University,
Surabaya.
Unair.
Unair, yes. Graduated from Unair. Then
I immediately worked at Antara, and
when I first worked at Antara, I had a
chance to study, a kind of short course
.
In what year, Sir? Entering Antara,
I started my education at Antara in
1990. 1988.
88.
Yes, 88. Then 8...9 I was appointed,
and not long after, I was assigned,
initially to cover agricultural and
forestry news. Then I covered the DPR (
House of Representatives) for 2 years,
and then, praise be to Allah, I also
had the opportunity to cover the Palace
during Mr. Harto's era, yes, Father Mr.
Harto. Then
after that, I had a chance to study in
Canada. Right.
During the short course, I was then
placed in New York in the year 1993
until 98.
So, Antara had an office at the UN
headquarters in Manhattan, New York.
Specifically for Antara, yes.
Yes. We had a room on the 3rd floor.
So we were on the same floor as the UN
Secretary-General. And I was stationed
there for 5 years from '93 to '98. Now,
then I returned to Jakarta and I didn't
stay in editorial, but rotated around;
I was once the coordinator for Antara's
partnership with the British news
agency, Reuters.
Reuters.
Uh-huh. Then I held a leadership
position at an Antara subsidiary called
IMQ. Then I was the head of the Antara
bureau in Bandung. Then I was a staff
expert, coordinator of staff experts at
the Antara news agency.
Now, finally, based on the Ministry of
State-Owned Enterprises test results, I
was fortunately selected as the
Director of News at Antara. So the news
commander at this one and only national
news agency
is currently being held by me, so to
speak. Thank God.
Yes. So continuing the legacy of
predecessors who already had names like
Mr. Parni Hadi.
Yes.
Furthermore, Antara was initially
founded by the late Adam Malik. Mr.
Adam Malik had been Vice President,
previously served as Foreign Minister,
and was President of the United Nations
General Assembly in New York.
Yes. Now, Mr. Ad, was journalism a
choice back then, or how did that come
about? Yes, that's a good question;
ever since college, I've always wanted
to write. Uh-huh.
And when I was studying in Surabaya, I
wrote for a local daily called Harian
Memorandum. Uh-huh.
And also at that time, it was called
Surabaya Pos. So I was writing.
Sometimes, even though I was studying
in Surabaya, I would send articles to
Pikiran Rakyat in Bandung, and they
were published; there was a unique
sense of satisfaction. It felt so good
when our writing was published, read by
people, and commented on, like that.
Yeah. Uh-huh.
Now, I am very interested in writing,
Sir. I once read a quote from Imam
Al-Ghazali, more or less like this: "If
you are not the son of a king or a
scholar, then write," he said. Uh-huh.
Just how valuable is writing, Sir?
According to you.
Oh, it's extraordinary. That quote was
correct, and I also have, what should I
say? I read a lot of references from
various figures. Now, what I find
interesting is when Bung Karno was
detained by the Dutch in Boven Digoel
prison, Irian, at that time,
he wrote a very phenomenal book called
"Under the Banner of Revolution." Then,
when Bung Hatta was detained by the
Dutch in Sukamiskin Prison, Bandung,
he wrote a book titled "Rowing Between
Two Reefs," and that became the basis
for the implementation of the free and
active foreign policy that is still
upheld today by the Indonesian Ministry
of Foreign Affairs. And when they were
asked by many people what their
motivation for writing was, they said,
the late founding fathers said that
this nation must be better in the
future. So, with these writings,
hopefully, it brings inspiration for
the young generation to fight to uphold
independence, then also to maintain and
fill that independence. Like that. So
what they wrote became an inspiration
for me too, that indeed when we write
there is idealism,
there is our desire, noble aspirations.
Hopefully, this good intention can also
be conveyed
conveyed and then can be
followed, hopefully, it also becomes an
inspiration for the young generation,
especially for students and university
students. And thank God, my writing
about this, I once wrote it, and among
them, there were so many readers,
viewers, then many comments, even
quoted by several writing communities,
my writing became a reference. So I
have a sense of pride.
So we are proud when our writing is
read by people and then provides
benefits to many people.
In any case, God willing, hopefully, it
is considered an act of worship.
Yes. Amen. Amen. Yes. That's right, Sir
. Now, regarding the current phenomenon
, Mr. A, because technology is
developing so rapidly, Sir. The world
of writing, meaning everyone can write
Uh-huh.
In quotes, meaning now people can write
on Facebook statuses, on Twitter,
maybe on what, blogs. But
they, many of them, their writing is
just haphazard.
Just writing without thinking about the
effects of that writing.
Yes. Yes. Yes.
How, Sir, do you see the current
phenomenon like that, Sir?
Well, if we look at the current
development trend, it is indeed
extraordinary, yes.
IT is developing so rapidly and it
depends on the users.
Whether they want to use it for good
intentions or for what you call it,
something less good or not good. The
important line is, if in new media, in
social media, whether Twitter or
Facebook or others, the key is the same
as also written in what, conventional
writing media. The point is, first, do
not discourage.
Uh-huh.
Second, do not pit people against each
other. Third, do not offend other
people's feelings. Then fourth, do not
scapegoat. Fifth, do not incite. And
sixth, last but not least, is do not
write when we are angry.
Because when we are angry and write on
social media, it is a mirror of our
personality. People will read it, you
know, this person is like this.
So it's like we are driving, the
analogy. If we drive recklessly, then
that is how our personality is. People
will read it like that. So then we must
be careful with what we write on social
media. Because at that moment it has
already become the world's property.
So we must be careful. But for the
writing limitations mentioned earlier,
writing still follows standard features
or special essays, if you will, there
must be standard rules for it.
Where to make it interesting, the
writing should start with something
attractive and end with something
impressive. It means the writing is
like a speech, starting with something
interesting and ending with something
impressive and memorable. Writing on
social media is just a few words or
very limited sentences, and it is just
an expression for self-actualization,
which is perfectly fine. But if we want
our writing to be useful, meaning its
benefits are felt by the public, then
there are certain standards or rules
that need to be followed, and that must
be learned. There are techniques, there
are guides that we can follow, like
that.
Right, back to the world of technology
which is so rapid nowadays, there are
many websites or news portals that
could be said—borrowing your term—
to be fake or unreliable.
There are probably a lot of them now.
And many people seem as if they don't
care whether it's fake or not. So it
gets shared, distributed, and
copy-pasted. As long as it comes from
the media, people don't know if it's
fake or not.
Yes. Yes.
But it's being shared, so how about
that, Sir?
Well, that is...There is a basic
principle that what becomes a headline
in the media, including what is
trending on social media, does not
necessarily reflect what is actually
happening in society. It is just an
issue game, issue management. Therefore
, every reader or viewer must be
critical, must be critical of where the
source comes from. In Islam, we must be
careful if there is news from an
immoral person, right? So we must be
very careful. So, verify.
Exactly, verify. So we must be careful
when consuming media, including social
media or new media. We shouldn't just
believe it blindly. How can we filter
it? Certainly, we must read a lot, read
a lot from other valid references, ones
that are truly trustworthy. So, we must
read a lot, discuss a lot, and expand
our networking so our perspective isn't
narrow, not like wearing blinders.
We have a broader perspective so that
later we can say, "Oh, I am sure that
information is incorrect." So our
society
should be more careful, perhaps.
more careful. Especially the young
Muslim generation, I hope they do not
immediately believe what is in the
media. Even not just fake media,
mainstream media sometimes, because of
the capital owners steering things,
might also not be right for us, not in
line with our ideals.
Yes.
Now, about that, Sir, I find it very
interesting when mainstream media
follows what the capital owners want.
Yes,
perhaps like now, for example, national
TV stations, because maybe the owners
are involved in politics. So,
we can clearly see that happening.
Sir, what is your take on that?
Again, we have to be critical and
balanced. If we know one media outlet
is owned by a certain party, and
another by a different party, then we
must start from a neutral position.
So we see it as, oh, we need to know
this perspective and that perspective
from the media. These are mirrors of
the political interests of the capital
owners of those TV stations. Therefore,
it is perfectly fine, and we should
actually know the views of each side.
And in the end, we are the ones who
decide what our stance is. So, once
again, we must remain critical in the
sense that we don't swallow everything
they say whole, but we have
self-censorship. Then we actualize it
through discussions with colleagues,
many communities, or on campus, for
example, or anywhere, so that we have a
stance on this issue.
And we are expected to hold on to
idealism, like that.
Earlier it was said, Mr. AD, more or
less already two 28 years, right, as a
journalist? Maybe you could share a bit
about the ups and downs, Sir. Perhaps
the most memorable ones?
Yes. Yes.
During those 28 years,
what were they, Sir?
The most memorable thing was, of course
, when I was chosen to be, what you
call it, a journalist placed in New
York, that was,
in quotes, prestigious.
I heard, Sir, that you were also an
employee of the year.
That is true. Thank God. That was upon
my return from New York.
Oh, I see.
Upon returning from New York. So, at
the time, I didn't expect it because
there were many who were more senior.
Yes.
And many who were more proficient in
English than I was.
But why was I chosen? Well, that is one
factor, not a coincidence, I am sure of
it, there was
God's guidance in it. Because
everywhere in this world, nothing is a
coincidence. If the intention is good,
it must be God's guidance. So, I am
very convinced of that, and I also
demonstrated hard work and maintained
good relationships. Many people in any
institution are only good at their
desks, but communication with partners,
with leaders, and with subordinates,
building relationships,
that connection is what is most
important. That is the key to our
progress. Because capital today is not
just about money.
or capital, but it is about building
relationships
and our ideas. We may have good
relationships but never present new
ideas. That is also not good. So, in
universities now, there is what is
called soft skills. Yeah.
It is how we communicate with others,
how we dress, how we make phone calls,
even things like that. How to look at
people; those soft skills are now being
studied in certain universities as
preparation for students before they
graduate. Because recent research
suggests that a person's career is
ultimately determined by soft skills,
their ability beyond the theoretical
aspects.
Socializing from that perspective, yes.
So, the most memorable thing when it
was determined, there was another.
The second one, why? Because when I was
in New York, at the center of world
power, at the UN headquarters in New
York, I met many people, many important
figures.
Besides the UN Secretary-General, I met
Boutros Boutros-Ghali,
then Kofi Annan.
Just imagine, even an ambassador finds
it difficult to enter the UN
Secretary-General's office, but as a
journalist, I was invited to his office
.
Right? It was extraordinary to be able
to have a direct dialogue with him. Two
UN Secretaries-General, yes, with Kofi
Annan.
Me. Yes, that’s right, Kofi Annan and
what’s his name, who was it? Boutros
Boutros-Ghali, I experienced two UN
Secretaries-General.
And that is a source of pride,
a source of pride where even diplomats
whose job it is couldn't enter the
secretary-general's room, but as a
journalist, I could enter. Thank God.
And there were two Indonesian
journalists who could enter there who
were stationed in New York at that time
. Myself and my colleague named Mr.
Muhlis Hasim from Media Indonesia. Like
that. Now, the second one, of course,
with being stationed in New York, I met
many, besides the UN Secretary-General
as I said, also important figures in
America.
I could meet the American president,
meet many presidents who attended the
general assembly, I could talk to them.
So,
what I studied back in college, thank
God, it turned out to be a reality.
Because when I first became a
journalist, I had refused an assignment
. Hm.
Back then, the management said I should
cover agriculture and forestry news. I
thought, I studied international
relations.
Yes.
But why, I said, am I being placed in
agriculture and forestry? Just go with
it, they said. In the end, I did it
earnestly,
and it turned out to be very beneficial
.
I was often invited by the Minister of
Forestry and the Minister of
Agriculture to travel around the
regions. So, I know almost every
province in Indonesia down to the
regency level,
into the deep jungles, even all the way
to Freeport, I know it.
Now, as time passed, it turned out that
I was eventually assigned to New York
at the UN headquarters. It means that
whatever we learn, whatever we have
studied, will never be in vain.
Everything surely has its benefits.
Whatever field we study, in the end, we
will definitely feel its benefits. The
important thing is to have the
earnestness to study it, like that. And
the next thing, of course, the pride is
when our writing is read by many people
; that is certainly a pride, an
extraordinary inner wealth that cannot
be valued with money. And several times
, my writing, thank God, has been
noticed by people. The comments were
also numerous.
It was even used as a reference by
several parties. Are you still writing
now, Sir?
As the Director of News, the commander
of news at Antara, I don't just oversee
the news; I also, thank God, try to
keep setting an example.
Setting an example for what?
To be productive in writing. Whoever I
meet, as long as it has news value, I
always write about it. When an Antara
reporter isn't there, I go down and do
it myself. At the same time, I want to
set an example for my subordinates that
even in a structural position, we must
keep writing. Especially, I say, as
journalists, our skills, our creative
thinking, must be constantly honed.
Yes.
And that will prevent us from
stagnation. Like that.
Now, regarding writing as a form of
da'wah, Sir.
Yes. Yes. There are many writings now
that, thank God, even if they are in
the form of blogs.
Which contain messages of da'wah as
well, Sir. Yes.
How do you see that, Sir?
Exactly right. Indeed, writing is, what
do you call it? It cannot be separated
from its elements. For me, I always
refer to what is called prophetic
journalism. So, prophetic journalism,
where the prophetic traits we need to
emulate are Siddiq (truthful), Amanah (
trustworthy), Tabligh (communicative),
and Fatonah (intelligent). So, those
are the elements we take, which we try
to adopt. A journalist's duty is indeed
like that. Must be honest,
then convey the truth, and then must be
intelligent. So, and be trusted, be
amanah. If a journalist, for example,
writes dishonestly, what would happen?
Whereas there is an adage that says the
media can turn a worm into a dragon, or
a dragon into a worm. If we lie about
something big, making it small, or
taking something small and blowing it
out of proportion, that is not sidik,
nor is it amanah. So, in my opinion, it
is true that there is an element of
da'wah, especially since the first
verse revealed was "Iqra"(read), and
that means it's not just reading, we
must also write so our work can be read
by others.
Like that.
Now, Sir, perhaps after 28 years, Sir.
In the world of journalism or being a
reporter,
what is the difference between
reporters then and now, Sir? In
principle, actually, nothing is
different.
There is no difference, right?
That a journalist must stand on the
truth, must be based on facts. There
are two types of facts. One is the fact
of events, and two is the fact of
opinions. Like that.
Yes.
Journalists must not write based on
rumors, prejudices, or hearsay. It must
be based on facts, facts, or opinions
gathered from interviews. And news is
essentially facts constructed by a
journalist. Meaning, facts shaped by
the reporter.
So, by grounding themselves in facts,
they report on whatever is happening in
society. That is the reality.
Mr. AD, you've probably visited many
different countries, Mr. AD.
Especially perhaps during Ramadan
abroad, sir. Perhaps.
Oh, yes. That's a good question; it
reminds me of my time stationed in New
York.
Yes. How was that?
I was stationed in New York for 5 years
,
from '93 to '98.
Yes.
And, thank God, together with friends,
I was one of the founders of the
Indonesian Mosque in New York, called
Al-Hikmah Mosque. That mosque was the
first one established abroad funded
independently by the Indonesian
community there.
The first Indonesian mosque abroad.
Yes. The very first abroad.
Named Al-Hikmah Mosque. It's in the
Queens area of New York.
And it was built without any cost from
government funding.
Purely from the community.
Some government officials contributed
personally, though.
And it continues to grow to this day.
While I was there, I followed
everything from the groundbreaking to
its completion and operation. Then,
thank God, especially during Ramadan,
many Indonesians would come to the
mosque daily after work despite their
busy schedules. You could really feel
the serenity of Ramadan abroad in New
York, and it would get even busier on
Saturdays and Sundays. Hm.
And not just that, it turns out other
Muslim immigrant communities in New
York joined us as well. There were
people from Puerto Rico, Lebanon,
Turkey, Malaysia, and several other
countries. Pakistan was also included.
So, thank God, our mission of preaching
could be carried out to a certain
extent in New York. With my basic
background from studying at a madrasa
—though not directly in a pesantren,
I studied under several teachers and
scholars in Pandeglang. Thank God, that
foundation became a source of pride for
me.
I was then chosen as one of the eight
khatibs (sermon givers) in New York.
Masha'Allah.
So the first sermon was in Indonesian,
Yes.
and the second sermon was in English.
That was very memorable for me. So when
I was in New York,
socializing with many people felt like
being at home; it was extraordinary. I
felt it deeply. Breaking our fast there
felt more intimate than it does back
home in Indonesia or in the village.
Because imagine, abroad, with many
communities from various tribes, plus
people from, uh, outside our country,
what's it called, uh
gathering together for iftar, followed
by lectures, then continuing with
Tarawih prayers. And what's
extraordinary is that the food for
breaking the fast is brought by each
person individually.
Oh, I see.
Some people bring, you know, things
from their own countries
that we didn't know about before.
So it's not just Indonesian food.
Masha Allah.
The atmosphere is incredibly intimate
and personal for us,
perhaps because there is a bond of
faith.
That's right. Correct. That is what
unites us.
True. Extraordinary.
Now, Sir, if I may ask, who is the
figure that inspires you? Mr. AT
uh
who always gives you inspiration, Mr.
AT, who is it? Maybe there's a scholar
or a public figure.
Oh, right. Speaking specifically about
my time at Antara, I remember the late
Imam Hamidi. To me, he was, what shall
I say, a figure, a teacher, and a role
model. Yeah.
Because amidst his busy schedule, he
always reminded us—
Imam Yakhsyallah is the Imamul Muslimin
. Imam of the Jama'ah Muslimin (
Hizbullah). And I know that he, uh,
what do you call it? Oversees more than
20 Islamic boarding schools in 20
provinces. Extraordinary. Al-Fatah,
right?
When I joined, the late Imam was the
secretary of the institution. I was the
second-in-command at Antara, and he was
the information officer. So, he was
placed at Antara because his background
was in information; he was close to the
journalists, and he was the one who
always reminded us of the importance of
balancing our busyness with spiritual
aspects.
And he was very inspiring and always
full of enthusiasm. When I first joined
Antara, I felt a bit like, "Is this not
quite the right fit for me?" But he was
the one who always gave something
inspiring, motivating, providing
motivation,
and eventually, it strengthened my
resolve, "Ah, in that case, I will
continue." So, my closeness to him was
extraordinary, personally.
And even when he retired, I was always
invited, and I always came. Even with
what is now called the Mikraj News
Agency.
Yes.
I participated in it; in fact, the name
'Mina'—
you helped build it, right?
Yes. The name 'Mina' was actually my
idea initially. Because at that time,
initially, if I may tell the story, in
2012,
the late Imam had an idea to hold an
international conference on Al-Quds,
Palestine, and the liberation of
Palestine. It was held in Bandung.
Yes.
I was the PR person there with my
colleague, Mr. Edi Utama, also from
Antara. After the event finished, we
gathered. The Imam said, "Mr. AT and
Mr. Edi, if possible, I'd like you to
be the PR to travel around,"
to explain the results of the
conference to various countries. We
then thought that it wouldn't be
effective and its reach would be very
limited. Then Mr. Edi and I had the
idea, why don't we start an online news
agency?
Finally, it was accepted. Now, the
problem was, what should we call it?
After a month of debating, I meditated
and contemplated, and thank God, I
found the name Mikrajus Agency, from
the word Mi'raj. And then Imam
elaborated, uh, what it was, and
thankfully until now the name is
Mikrajus Agency.
Masha Allah, there are so many, uh,
what, experiences with him.
Yes, because he is very fatherly, you
know.
Fatherly.
Fatherly. Then, there are certain
things that seem, uh, what? They seem
trivial but make people feel motivated.
For example, in the morning, he pats
your back and asks, "How are you?""How
is the family? How are the kids?" So, I
feel like other leaders aren't like
that.
So close, right, with
so close. So people feel, feel this,
feel valued, feel flattered, you know.
So the relationship becomes much better
. People feel motivated. Those are
sides that might be small things. But
touches like that make people feel
motivated, like that.
Alright.
Uh-huh.
Brothers and sisters blessed by Allah,
right now we are chatting with Mr. Adhi
Surya Syafaat. He is the Director of
News at LKBN Antara, brothers and
sisters. Alhamdulillah, he gave us some
time to have a chat. Perhaps we have
already heard a lot about his
background, how he joined Antara, how
his assignment in New York was so
amazing, which might really inspire us
all, brothers and sisters. Don't go
anywhere, we will continue our chat
with him later. We will return after
this break. Thank you, brothers and
sisters, for still listening to Radio
Silaturahim and also Rasil TV. On this
suhoor occasion, brothers and sisters,
we are still talking with Mr. Adhi
Surya Syafaat. He is the Director of
News at LKBN Antara, brothers and
sisters. Earlier at the beginning, we
listened to, uh, the conversation with
him. Alhamdulillah, there are many
things that, God willing, are very
useful for us all, brothers. We will
continue the chat, sir. Next, Mr. Adhi,
I want to, uh, ask about journalists
again, Mr. Adhi.
Yes.
Surely, uh, if we read writings, it
seems like, for example, from one
journalist,
various articles make it seem like that
journalist is smart at everything.
About agriculture, he can write,
about
maybe about technology, he also seems
proficient at writing. Yeah.
So, actually, besides knowledge, what
is needed by a journalist, sir? Yes. Uh
, that's a very good question, uh, a
journalist must be able to write about
anything.
Indeed, not too detailed, but at least
in general, he must understand. Uh the
ability to write must indeed be trained
, and everyone can surely do it as long
as there is willingness and sincerity,
right. Yes. Now, uh the key is you must
read a lot. So, a journalist must know
the daily news landscape and what is
being reported. At the very least, if
we read newspapers from mainstream
media, we should read the headlines.
That’s the minimum.
Then, for other things, for example,
when writing something, a journalist
must dig deep and read a lot about the
topic.
So, we must seek out and read various
references. Especially if a journalist
is conducting what is called
investigative reporting,
it must be in-depth. Yes. And it must
be done seriously and thoroughly. If
they have the basics of writing but
lack the earnestness to see how deep
the facts go, or how far they should
convey them to the public, well, it
won't work if we don't read. So, the
key is that journalists must also read
a lot. Besides reading the daily news
landscape, they must also read
references for what they intend to
write.
Without that, I am sure it won't work.
The second thing is, of course, they
must have networking. When we are
writing, if we don't have interviews,
the piece will lack depth, variety, or
appeal. Now, interviews are obtained if
we have sources. Sources that we
already know. Therefore, a journalist
must also have many friends. Anyone at
all, not just officials, but perhaps
activists, community leaders, and even
people anywhere.
So, they must be good at socializing,
be outgoing, talk a lot, mingle, keep
in touch, and discuss things often. If
necessary, they should join various
communities that have idealism, like
that.
So, the key is to read a lot as well.
Correct.
Right. And earlier I quoted a saying
that media or journalists can turn
worms into dragons and dragons into
worms, right? Making the small look big
, and the big look small.
It can be blown up or scaled down.
Yes, it can be big or small. Yes. Now,
for the public, we should emphasize and
remind them not to swallow everything
raw,
the news or information we receive, sir
.
Correct. Exactly. One must be critical.
Therefore, as citizens watching
television, reading print media, or
perhaps online media, it is just like
journalists; we must also read a lot,
know a lot, and hear a lot so that, in
quotes, we are not misled by deceptive
information.
Information now is so confusing,
yes,
each party feels they are the ones who
are right. The key is, if we read a lot
and discuss things with the right
people—those who are competent,
professional, and whose expertise
cannot be doubted—
for example, academics or certain
groups.
uh public figures, I am sure, uh, what
is it called? What the media conveys
can be filtered by itself. So they will
determine their stance because they
already have a basis to act that way.
The keyword is being critical, right,
the tabayun earlier.
Alright. Yes. And uh I heard that you
are also active in the MUI, sir?
As what, sir?
I am there as a member of the
Information Commission.
Hm. What kind of activities?
Uh, we publish a magazine called Mimbar
Ulama.
Hm. Yes.
Uh, and it is published regularly. Then
, God willing, in the near future, the
MUI television will also be active,
right.
Managed by friends from Antara.
Yes. Uh, friends from Antara and
several other media.
There are those from Republika, from
Gatra,
and then several other media as well.
Uh, from Antara, there are two people.
One is me, the other is Mr. Saiful Hadi
, the son of Mr. K.H. Damal. He was, uh
, previously at Antara, now he is a
senior advisor, and we provide
suggestions. We have invited them to
meetings at Antara several times.
Uh, it is very important because many
fatwas issued by the MUI are not
well-publicized, not, uh, not massive
enough.
For example, halal fatwas, yes, halal
fatwas, then whatever facts there are.
Uh, so those should be a reference for
Muslims. Now, therefore, it is very
important that we publish them through
our media, in addition to, of course,
Antara itself reporting on them.
So that is how it is.
Alright. Now, sir, at Antara itself,
during this Ramadan, are there any
special Ramadan activities, sir?
Yes. Uh, we have them. So, there are
several things. First, uh, certainly
internally, we have many, there are
several divisions, right?
Yes. The news division, commercial
division, finance, and HR. Each
division, uh, has some kind of, you
know, a joint breaking of the fast to
strengthen ties among each division.
But generally, uh, after all that is
finished, we all, employees with
management, employees with directors,
also hold a joint breaking of the fast
event, uh, inviting, uh, by inviting,
before breaking the fast, there is a
lecture by certain figures. Now, then
another thing, we also, uh, help
organize, for example, intensive
religious study camps, whether outside
or held at Antara; we do that routinely
. Besides that, we also attend
invitations held by associates and
partners, like that. So the atmosphere
is truly felt, uh, really felt.
What is it called? Solemn, right. Very
Islamic atmosphere, you know, like that
, and, uh, and that is what we always,
uh, use as a side to encourage
ourselves from the side of, you know,
the spiritual side, because remembering
that
Indonesia's independence was achieved
in the month of Ramadan, right, the
Friday of the proclamation, imagine
people are never, never aware or
realize that if we think about it, it
is extraordinary, Ramadan, Indonesia
became independent in the month of
Ramadan.
The blessings of Ramadan.
Yeah, and then, what is it, on Friday,
something like that.
Yeah.
Then, if we look at the history of the
Prophet,
actually, the battles that were most
thrilling and yielded extraordinary
victories occurred in the month of
Ramadan. So it is wrong for people to
say that during Ramadan,
we should be lazy,
lazy and sleep a lot, saying that sleep
itself is worship—that’s wrong.
Working hours are also shortened, right
?
That's it. Even though, actually,
that’s where our spirit should grow
even more. That’s why the foundation
must be strong, that this is a command
from Allah the Almighty, and then
there is much wisdom behind it. If we
reflect and study it, it turns out it
actually makes us more motivated
instead.
Are you going home for the holidays too
, sir?
God willing, I am going home too. But
where are you going, sir?
To Pandeglang. Pandeglang. Yes.
Pandeglang. However,
as a news commander, I cannot stay away
for long. So I must be present when the
soldiers are fighting, I must be there.
So I can't, for example, go on vacation
anywhere. Wherever I am, for example,
just yesterday,
I went to Lampung to monitor the news.
Previously, I also went to Malaysia,
then to Taiwan. I always pay attention
to the news being reported; sometimes
there are things that are wrong, that
are mistaken.
And that is what I always give
motivation for, so that we
carry out this media mission within the
right corridors. Providing something
for the public that is inspiring,
motivating, empowering, and
enlightening. Educating—there is an
educational side to it, right? And
within the framework of nationalism,
the framework is
to defend the Unitary State of the
Republic of Indonesia.
So there is the love of the homeland
there.
Yes. Now, sir, when returning to the
topic of duties in various countries,
for example, Malaysia, Taiwan, or other
countries,
is there a specific habit, perhaps,
when visiting abroad? What do you
usually do, Mr. AT, besides carrying
out your duties? Is there anything, Mr.
AT?
Specifically, that's a unique thing.
Yeah. For example, I always want to
meet, I want to find a mosque.
And that is interesting. When I was on
duty in
what is it, in Central America.
To Central America.
If it's a Muslim country, it might be
easy, right?
Yes. That's the issue; when I was in
New York, the Indonesian Ambassador to
the UN also covered several countries
in South America. The Bahamas,
Nicaragua, Central America. Then, what
is Bob Marley's country?
Jamaica.
Jamaica, you know Jamaica too. Now,
when in Central America, we happened to
attend Friday prayers.
Yes. It turned out there was a mosque
in that city; I was happy to see that
there was a community, even though we
didn't understand the sermon since it
was in a different language.
Were there many congregants, sir?
It's not too crowded, but the mosque is
quite large.
So there’s this feeling, you know,
where we—
We feel joyful, happy, and grateful
that such a community actually exists,
and they are so passionate in their
preaching, though it's in their own
language.
It looks passionate, but we don't
understand it. We don't understand. But
at least we understand the general
boundaries and the pillars of the
sermon, like the call to be pious and
so on, right?
Yes. Right.
Now, sir, perhaps you could share—
since you are also active in the MUI—
could you share a few Ramadan messages
with our brothers, sisters, listeners,
and viewers?
Oh, Ramadan messages. First, of course,
if someone is a worker, especially a
journalist, we must stay enthusiastic,
knowing that during Ramadan, our
performance should actually improve
because the value and rewards are
certainly different compared to outside
of Ramadan. Second, of course, doing
anything must be done seriously, with
focus and direction; it shouldn't be
done haphazardly. Because ultimately,
any achievement in an organization, a
company, or anywhere else must have
results, targets, and goals, and those
can only be reached if we are focused,
serious, and directed. Especially if,
as I said, we have the intention that
this has the value of worship. I think
with that kind of earnestness, we will
achieve what we hope for and what we
create, and continue to think
positively. Because no matter what, it
is from that positive perception that
great works are born, and it will build
good networks with everyone. Because if
we have even a little prejudice or bad
intentions, or other heart ailments,
our hearts won't be clear—not a*
qolbun salim*—so everything will be
difficult to achieve. Because indeed,
the key to effective communication is
first that our hearts must be clear.
Second, of course, do not think
ethnocentrically. Meaning, do not think
that we are better than others. That
our tribe, for example, is better than
others. Whereas in reality, it is*Inna
akramakum indallahi atqakum*. Yes, that
is the key to good communication. Next,
do not judge people based on, for
example, just one approach, or when
seeing someone, immediately labeling
them with a stigma like, "Ah, they're
from that place, they must be like that
." Don't be like that. So, we must be
neutral. Then, of course, we must also
have a broad perspective in viewing
things. Perspective means point of view
. If we only look from one point of
view, it’s usually narrow. Therefore,
if we look at an object, an issue, or
anything from a broad perspective
across various aspects, we are usually
wiser, like that. Subhanallah, that’s
a very wonderful Ramadan message.
And may I ask, sir, what is your life
motto? Do you have a life motto?
Well, for my life motto, uh, I I
believe in in luck. Meaning that luck
is indeed given by God, yes.
Yeah.
But I believe even more in hard work,
like that.
Hm. Yes. Yeah.
Like that. For example, when I was
posted in New York, as I said earlier,
that was luck because it was indeed
God's guidance, right.
True. Yes.
Now, but if, for instance, when I was
stationed in New York, I just relaxed
without hard work,
everyone would be disappointed, like
that. Everyone would be disappointed.
But then I filled it well.
Alhamdulillah, until now I have
maintained good relationships,
especially with diplomats, for example,
Mr. Martin Tadegawa, who was once
Foreign Minister, yes.
Foreign Minister, yes.
I can just call him up, like that.
Yes, then with Mr. Fahir, yesterday
there was an international conference,
yes.
International Muslim journalists '
conference at Wisma Antara, a
collaboration between Mina and Antara,
including Rasil, the support was
extraordinary.
That, alhamdulillah, I have the channel
with Mr. Fahir.
And it was just by phone, like that. "
Mr. Fahir, this is...""And then, what
do you mean?" He asked, "How many are
expected to attend, and where are they
from?" I gave him the background info,
and finally he came, and I am also,
alhamdulillah, close to several
national figures, for example, K.H.
Hasim Muzadi. Coincidentally, he is my
neighbor in Depok, yes.
So, Alhikam Depok, yes, near UI. I
invited the editor-in-chief of, uh,
what is it, Mina, to come to his place.
And then, uh, alhamdulillah, even
though he was sick, he came, and even
in the forum
in the forum he said, "I am actually
sick, but because the one inviting me
is next to me, he pointed me as the
moderator, so I came," like that, so
that is the key, the friendship (
silaturahim) is extraordinary and
cannot be valued with money.
That is why we as Muslims, especially
the young generation, must utilize
Islamic values like this. Increase your
friendship (silaturahim) because it
will extend your life, facilitate all
affairs, right, and it will even
increase your sustenance. And the key
is from there, it is extraordinary. The
key, for example, is networking, in
management terms.
If we only rely on the government, for
instance, it certainly won't be
profitable.
But we have networking and cooperation
with foreign parties.
And that is not capital in money, it is
capital in ideas, networking.
And finally, the cooperation with the
British news agency and Bloomberg
generated dollars.
And from there, our operational funding
for the company was greatly helped.
The power of silaturahim, yes. Now,
that is it, extraordinary. That is why
it suits Rasil, like that. That is the
key.
Radiance of silaturahim.
When I heard Rasil, I thought, "Wow,
this is a very good name." A name is a
prayer, right.
Yes. Amen. Amen. Insyaallah.
Alright, sir. Thank you very much for
giving your time to talk with us, sir.
Thank you very much once again. And
maybe one more thing, sir, I missed it.
Do you have any special message for us,
perhaps as young journalists, Mr. Ani?
Yes.
A special message before we say goodbye
to the listeners and viewers, Sir.
Yes. Yes. Yes. My message is, before
that, I would like to express my
gratitude and pride that Rasil is
managed primarily in the field by young
people. This is encouraging. And I also
see that they all have spirit and
idealism, which is reflected in their
appearance. Now, my next message is to
pursue what we are doing now with
seriousness, earnestness, and the
intention of worship. I am sure the
benefits will be reaped in the future.
So, will you stay at Rasil later?
Hopefully, you stay at Rasil until you
help it grow, or perhaps move on to
other media. We must always carry
Islamic values. Because an Islamic
media outlet doesn't just mean the
media has unique traits, but its
journalists can also color non-Islamic
media. That is what we hope for. That
is what we hope for, and don't forget
that many great people started as
journalists. Anywhere in the world,
there are many journalists whose
writings are extraordinary and can
change the world. So it is like that. I
hope my friends, younger ones, and
colleagues at Rasil continue to work
earnestly, seriously, and focused, and
don't be carried away by misleading
media. Especially in the midst of media
convergence where IT is so rapid. I
hope you stay on the right track,
adhering to or following prophetic
journalism that refers to siddiq,
amanah, tablig, and fatonah, and also
take care of your health. Because, as a
piece of information, don't let many
journalists get jaundice from working
too seriously. While neglecting their
diet,
not drinking enough water, especially
if smoking in the room. And don't take
night shifts too often. If possible,
just have a shift once a week. Don't,
for example, ask for only night shift
duty, don't.
Many of my friends have had their
health compromised because they chose
to work only at night.
So, eating habits must also be
maintained. Time management must be
utilized as well as possible so that
there is a balance.
Between our duties, spiritual side, and
good food intake, so our health is
maintained. If we are not healthy, it
is impossible for us to carry out our
duties well. Therefore, health is also
very important and should not be
ignored. Alright, once again thank you
Sir for your time chatting with us and
Iwan. That concludes our Sahur talk
with a figure on this occasion, Mr.
Surya Syafaat. He is the former
Director of News at Antara, and
hopefully, we can all take lessons and
wisdom from our conversation during
this Sahur occasion. And to our
brothers and sisters, we do not forget
to wish you a blessed fast. May our
fasting and other acts of worship this
Ramadan be accepted by Allah Subhanahu
wa ta'ala.
Finally, I am Rizal Alhaq from the
Wisma Antara office on Jalan Medan
Merdeka Selatan, along with the crew on
duty: Sandi, Rian, and also Robi
Undrudiri. Subhanakallahumma
wabihamdika ashadu alla ilaha illa anta
astagfiruka wa atubu ilaik. Billahi
taufik wal hidayah. Wassalamualaikum
warahmatullahi wabarakatuh.
Waalaikumsalam warahmatullahi
wabarakatuh. Thank you.