Media sustainability emerged as the central theme of Banten Media Hub 2026, held at Aston Serang Hotel and Convention Center on Tuesday, June 30, 2026.

The forum, which brought together dozens of local media organizations and stakeholders across Banten Province, underscored the importance of transforming media business models to create more diverse and sustainable revenue streams.

Suara.com Editor in Chief Suwarjono said local media organizations need to establish business units beyond their journalistic activities to support their operations. According to him, media sustainability remains a shared challenge that requires collaboration and continuous discussion.

"Journalism is expensive, and journalism alone cannot sustain a media company. That's why media organizations must develop alternative business models to support their operations," he said before dozens of media owners, editors, and representatives from local news organizations in Banten.

Through Banten Media Hub 2026, Suwarjono expressed hope that every participating media outlet would begin developing at least one business unit as a new source of revenue to support its long-term operations.

"At the very least, each media outlet should have one business unit. There are 50 media organizations here today, so we hope to see 50 different businesses emerge in the future," said the former Chairman of the Alliance of Independent Journalists (AJI) for the 2014–2017 term.

He explained that strengthening media business models has become one of the key priorities of Banten Media Hub 2026, which is also being held in several regions across Java and Sumatra.

Besides addressing challenges facing the media industry, participants also received training on the Business Model Canvas framework and strategies for building new business ventures. Suwarjono hopes the initiative will inspire the creation of new businesses capable of supporting media operations within the next three to four months.

"We need creativity and innovation, and we can achieve that through discussion and collaboration. Support from the national level is also essential to help strengthen regional media," he said.

Meanwhile, Chrysanthi Tarigan, Head of Corporate Communication at PT Chandra Asri Pacific Tbk, said media organizations should not only serve as providers of information but also build sustainable businesses to remain resilient amid changes in the media industry.

"Chandra Asri sees the media not only as a communication partner but also as an important stakeholder whose sustainability in Banten deserves our support," she said.

Known as Santhi, she added that supporting the business development of local media is part of Chandra Asri's commitment to fostering a healthier and more sustainable media ecosystem in Banten.

"We are pleased to support Suara.com in helping build media organizations that are healthy and sustainable. This forum provides space for media companies to strengthen their business foundations and understand the importance of business certification," she said.

Santhi also shared Chandra Asri's experience in business diversification. Originally focused on the petrochemical sector, the company has since expanded into various business segments as part of its long-term growth strategy.

"We hope everyone leaves this forum with ideas to grow their businesses. Through Banten Media Hub, we hope local media in Banten gain practical insights to expand their organizations and strengthen their ability to build sustainable businesses," she said.

Echoing the same message, Banten Communication, Informatics, Statistics and Encryption Agency Head Beni Ismail said media organizations have significant opportunities to expand into various business sectors that meet market demands, including event management.

"Media organizations have the opportunity to become event organizers and develop a wide range of business models. Banten Media Hub can help maximize those opportunities," he said.

Banten Media Hub 2026 was sponsored by Chandra Asri, Sinar Mas Land, and DANA, with additional support from FFAR, Majika, Wondermiss, Cimory, Papandayan, and Nutrisari.