Pulitzer Center Update June 11, 2025
Pulitzer Center Journalists Advise Indonesian Students on Environmental Writing
Country:
The Pulitzer Center has supported over 80 stories related to forest issues in Sumatra—a region that has long been at the epicenter of deforestation in Indonesia. Sumatra is one of the world’s largest palm oil producers and a key supplier of timber for the international market.
This complex issue is visible on the ground: massive tree trunks—some over a meter in diameter and more than 100 years old—lie lifeless in the corners of the Mentawai Islands. Local residents say much of this timber is exported to Japan and other countries.
While raising awareness about environmental degradation is essential, our goal goes beyond that—we aim to foster deeper, more meaningful engagement within education communities. Through the Green Voice Matters [GVM] program held on April 14, 2025, not only did we invite journalists to share their stories, but we also equipped students with essential skills to write impactful op-eds. Our target is to produce at least five opinion pieces that critically respond to the environmental issues highlighted in these stories.
The GVM workshop was held in partnership with our university partner Universitas Negeri Padang [UNP].
Engaging Students on Environmental Challenges
We brought together 42 selected students from UNP. They represent diverse academic backgrounds, such as life sciences, forestry, sociology, history, and journalism.
The workshop focused on environmental challenges in the Mentawai Islands, also the struggles of Indigenous communities in Nagari Paru who are rapidly losing their forests.
To help students develop critical perspectives and strong writing skills, the workshop included intensive training on op-ed writing.
In today’s context of declining freedom of speech, strengthening the bridge between academia and the media is more important than ever. We hope this process will produce high-quality op-eds that reflect civil society’s concerns and amplify often-overlooked voices. At least five op-eds are expected as a direct outcome of this program.
Highlights from the Deep Dive Session
The public lecture featured journalists who shared behind-the-scenes stories, reporting methods, and visuals from their fieldwork. Here are some key moments:
Febrianti, Pulitzer Center Rainforest Journalism Fund grantee
“I would not seek another profession—because I know I can help voice the unheard.”
Febrianti has focused her work on environmental issues in Mentawai. She explained how Mentawai, separated by sea from Padang (the capital of West Sumatra), lacks access to higher education, forcing its youth to migrate for university. Issues affecting the Mentawai people, a minority group in West Sumatra, are often overlooked.
She shared a heartbreaking moment:
“Ancient trees were cut down and locals said they were exported to build a temple in Japan. My heart sank when I saw how huge the tree trunks were.”
These trees are critical habitats for six endemic primate species on Siberut Island, part of the Mentawai archipelago.
Jaka HB, Rainforest Journalism Fund grantee
Jaka highlighted the devastating impacts of flash floods in Nagari Paru, Sijunjung, caused by severe deforestation.
“Forest loss in the area is staggering—up to 15,000 hectares annually, equivalent to three times the size of New York City.”
He also pointed out that landslides, now frequent in the region, were virtually unheard of before the extensive forest clearing began.
Bagja Hidayat, Rainforest Investigations Network Fellow and deputy chief editor of TEMPO
Bagja Hidayat emphasized the role of universities in shaping public discourse:
“We must uphold civil supremacy. A recent Kompas survey shows that 82% of Indonesians believe universities and advocacy groups can shape public opinion.”
Bagja led an in-depth session on how to write effective opinion pieces and engage critically with public issues—an essential skill in today’s media landscape.
Evelynd, lecturer of communication science at UNP
Evelynd provided a bridge for academia and journalism that is necessary to address critical environmental problems in West Sumatera.
“Journalist[s] as part of [the] media industry should [be] well connected with academia [students, researchers, and lecturers), bridging the gaps to create better understanding on environmental problem[s] today.”
Evelynd reminded the students to pursue critical understanding through journalist-campus collaboration, which can help solve the environmental crisis.
From Critical Thinking to Publication
The workshop was designed as a multi-stage learning experience. Two weeks prior to the main event, students joined pre-workshop sessions where they were grouped into eight teams of five. Each group was tasked with critically analyzing Pulitzer Center-supported stories, focusing on themes such as deforestation and the ocean.
Each team represented its academic field and co-authored outlines for opinion pieces. These drafts received constructive feedback from Pulitzer Center Gellows and experienced journalists, including Bagja Hidayat, Febrianti, Jaka HB, and also UNP academicians. Students were then given two weeks to revise and finalize their work.
To support publication, TEMPO, one of Indonesia’s most respected media outlets, has committed to mentoring and publishing selected op-eds on its website—providing students with a platform.
Participant feedback
The recent environmental journalism workshop concluded on an inspiring note, receiving highly positive feedback from students. The program provided them with valuable insights into investigative environmental journalism and boosted their confidence to voice their perspectives through opinion writing.
Throughout the workshop, students engaged directly with experienced professional journalists, gaining practical knowledge and personalized feedback on their writing. Participant Vania Qurratul shared her experience:
“Meeting professional journalists with a wealth of experience and receiving valuable input for our writing was truly enriching.”
Beyond journalism skills, the workshop also inspired students to take action on environmental issues. It helped strengthen their awareness and motivation to support sustainability efforts. As participant Naufal Erian expressed:
“The environment is something we need to pay more attention to, as it involves many important aspects. With more environmental issues being uncovered through investigative journalism, I believe the environment will receive the attention it truly deserves.”
What’s Next?
This program marks just the beginning of partnership. We hope the skills and awareness gained will empower students to continue engaging with the critical environmental and social issues around them. As they refine their op-eds and share their perspectives with broader audiences, we aim to foster a new generation of critical, solutions-driven thinkers ready to contribute meaningfully to civil society and environmental advocacy.
The Pulitzer Center deeply appreciates the invaluable partnership and collaboration of the Department of Communication Studies, Faculty of Social Sciences, Universitas Negeri Padang. Special thanks to Bapak AB Sarca Putera as Coordinator of Communication Study Program at UNP and Ibu Evelynd, Lecturer as well our focal point at UNP for their outstanding collaboration and invaluable contribution to our joint effort.
