Mukhtaruddin Usman Kembali Pimpin SPS Aceh

Banda Aceh — The third Regional Conference (Musda) of the Aceh Press Companies Association (SPS), held at Hotel Amel Convention Hall, Banda Aceh, on Thursday (30/7/2026), was intense, dynamic, and vibrant. This highest-level forum for press organizations in Aceh served as both an exchange of ideas and a fiercely contested democratic battle. Mukhtaruddin Usman, CEO of Media Aceh, narrowly defeated his opponent, Zulfikar, owner of Media FA News. Out of 37 valid votes, Mukhtaruddin secured 19 votes, while Zulfikar received 18 votes. The narrow one‑vote margin sealed Mukhtaruddin’s return as leader of SPS Aceh for another term.

The Musda session was chaired by the Chairman of the Steering Committee (SC), Muhammad Saleh of Media Modus Aceh, together with members Barlian and Safrizal. The proceedings were protracted and featured lengthy debates, especially about nomination mechanisms and election regulations.

The mood escalated when participant Tarmilin voiced his opinion loudly. Other participants from the same camp also stood up to interrupt. The forum was halted several times to defuse the tension and find a compromise.

During the candidacy process, Tarmilin, who had been touted as a potential chairman, was ruled ineligible. This ruling sparked debate, yet Tarmilin accepted the forum’s decision with equanimity. He and Azhari subsequently nominated Zulfikar as a candidate, narrowing the contest to two contenders: Zulfikar and Mukhtaruddin Usman.

Upon entering the voting phase, tensions rose again. Zulfikar’s faction favored a closed election, while Mukhtaruddin Usman’s camp pushed for an open vote. After further discussion, the atmosphere calmed and the voting proceeded orderly.

Participants exercised their voting rights carefully and responsibly. The vote count was observed directly by all attendees, creating a solemn atmosphere filled with anticipation.

In the end, out of 37 valid votes, Mukhtaruddin won by a single vote, securing his return to lead SPS Aceh for the next term.

The narrow margin reflected fierce competition and high member participation in shaping the organization’s future leadership. Despite the intense contest, the entire electoral process remained orderly, transparent, and within democratic boundaries.

Musda participants, representing press companies in Aceh, demonstrated maturity in practicing democracy. Differing preferences did not diminish the spirit of togetherness, which actually grew stronger after the election.

Mukhtaruddin Usman’s victory was welcomed with appreciation by Musda participants. Several parties expressed hope that his future leadership would enhance internal cohesion and bolster SPS Aceh’s role in confronting the increasingly complex challenges of the press industry, especially in the digital age.

In his post‑election speech, Mukhtaruddin expressed gratitude for the renewed trust placed in him. He reaffirmed his commitment to embrace all parties, including his rivals, to strengthen the organization.

“This is not a personal victory, but a collective triumph. I call on all SPS Aceh members to unite, maintain solidarity, and jointly advance press companies in Aceh,” he said.

He also stressed the importance of enhancing human‑resource quality, media professionalism, and safeguarding press independence amid the rapid and competitive flow of information.

The third Musda of SPS Aceh served not only as a chairman election but also as an organizational consolidation moment. This forum is expected to reinforce the role of press companies as a democratic pillar and as conveyors of accurate, balanced, and trustworthy information to the public.

With Mukhtaruddin Usman’s re‑election, SPS Aceh is expected to become more cohesive and to contribute more significantly to advancing regional press, improving reporting quality, and preserving integrity and professionalism among media practitioners in Aceh. (**)

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