The Jakarta Post

Around 60 people -- mostly top editors and freelance writers from across the Asia-Pacific region -- will gather in Jakarta for three days to discuss the role of journalism in the relationship between different cultures, religions and civilizations.

"Several prominent figures from Indonesia like Ali Alatas, Dewi Fortuna Anwar and Goenawan Mohamad will address the gathering," David Strachan, the New Zealand Embassy's deputy head of mission, told The Jakarta Post recently.

Besides Indonesian speakers, the gathering will feature the International Federation of Journalists General Secretary Aidan White, New Zealand's veteran journalist and a lecturer Alan Samson, China's famous blogger Isaac Mao, Thailand's top journalist Kavi Chongkittavorn, Pakistan's well-known journalist and writer Zahid Hussain and Malaysiakini.com's CEO Premesh Chandran.

The conference, entitled, "The Asia-Pacific Regional Media Programme 2008", will be held at the Hotel Mulia Senayan from Tuesday to Thursday. There will be a separate one-day workshop discussing, "The Role of Media in Muslim-Western Relations."

The media program is being organized by New Zealand's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, with co-sponsorship by Norway and the 27-member European Union.

It is also endorsed by the East Asia Summit (EAS) and has the support of the Indonesian government and the Press Council of Indonesia.

The workshop is being organized by the Alliance of Civilizations Secretariat and the Search for Common Ground, a non-governmental organization.