Pulitzer Center Update July 2, 2024
Student Journalists Learn How To Uncover 'Dark Side of Indonesia’s Seas and Forests'
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With the increasing degradation of Indonesia's oceans and forests, it is crucial to empower the next generation of journalists to voice these pressing environmental issues.
The Pulitzer Center and the Aliansi Jurnalis Independen (AJI) Yogyakarta, in collaboration with Universitas Islam Indonesia (UII), organized a Stories Deep Dive and Environmental Investigative Journalism Workshop titled "Green Voice Matters: The Dark Side of Indonesia's Seas and Forests." The workshop was held at the UII Cik Di Tiro Campus Auditorium in Yogyakarta on June 27, 2024.
The event attracted more than 60 student press members from at least 10 universities across Yogyakarta. Some of the participants even traveled from nearby cities, such as Solo and Klaten.
The event featured journalists Abdus Somad from Jaring.id, Riani Sanusi Putri from TEMPO, and Bambang Muryanto, a freelance journalist known for his environmental reporting on Yogyakarta.
Abdus Somad is a Fellow in the Pulitzer Center's Ocean Reporting Network, while Riani Sanusi Putri is a Pulitzer Center Rainforest Reporting grantee. Their expertise and experience provided insights into the critical environmental issues facing Indonesia today, from large-scale illegal activities in the Natuna and Arafura seas by foreign vessels, to palm oil-related deforestation and mining-tenurial conflicts.
Prof. Masduki, a professor of communication studies at UII, opened the workshop by emphasizing the significance of this event for student press members.
"Student press can play a role in producing high-quality journalism, a tradition dating back to the 1940s, re-emerging in 1975 when mainstream media was suppressed, and now gaining momentum again amid misinformation and political turbulence caused by oligarchies," Masduki said.
The workshop was divided into two main activities: a stories deep dive session followed by an interactive workshop on reporting environmental issues.
Somad presented on the environmental impact of large-scale fishing activities in the Natuna and Arafura seas, highlighting weak law enforcement to protect oceans. He has shared his reporting highlights from his unpublished work titled "The Dark Side of Natuna and Arafura Seas."
Similarly, Riani Putri shared her investigative reporting "Remission for Forest Destroyers," highlighting the illegal palm oil plantations in Central Kalimantan. Bambang Muryanto discussed the exploitation of karst areas in Gunungkidul for tourism development in the Special Region of Yogyakarta, threatening the livelihood of local communities.
Students engaged in an interactive workshop moderated by Aryo Wisanggeni from Jubi.id and Hendrawan Setiawan from CNN Indonesia. Sessions allowed participants to contribute ideas and ask the journalists questions.
"I have learned and discovered new facts about journalism, along with critical speakers who have inspired me to be more critical in journalism and to raise important issues related to the welfare of society and the environment," said a student participant.
Riani Putri, from TEMPO, acknowledged the participants' enthusiasm. During the Q&A session, several students asked about her investigative reporting process.
"This event encourages them to be more courageous in utilizing their journalistic skills and to be more attentive to environmental issues. They are taking action, even beyond journalism, such as planning petitions, seminars, or discussions. The attention to environmental issues is increasing," Riani Putri remarked.
Masduki also highlighted the evolving skills required in journalism in the digital era. He said the workshop would inspire investigative and advocative reporting, contributing to the empowerment of communities affected by environmental destruction.
Grenti Paramitha, the Pulitzer Center's Southeast Asia program manager, International Education and Outreach, echoed the essential role of journalists as fact-finders and as a cornerstone of Indonesia's democracy.
"The Pulitzer Center not only provides support but also brings insights from these reports to a broader audience," she explained.
A post-event survey revealed improvements in participants' understanding of ocean and deforestation issues in Indonesia, with 100% of students reporting increased knowledge and 98% feeling more prepared to engage in discussions or activities related to these topics.
More than half of the participants expressed that this journalism workshop enhanced their critical analysis and willingness to apply the knowledge, ideas, values, and skills gained for future journalism work. The survey also showed students expressing a desire for more workshops of this nature.
Student participants appreciated the Pulitzer Center's support for this event and its efforts to disseminate critical information about the degradation of Indonesia’s oceans and forests due to uncontrolled human activities.
The future journalists also highlighted the need for advocacy work for communities impacted by environmental degradation, the power of journalist activism, and the importance of starting these efforts within academic institutions. Additionally, students mentioned that this event helped them connect with new friends and journalists.
The Pulitzer Center reiterated its commitment to organizing similar workshops in other parts of Indonesia in the future. The Southeast Asia education program will continue the Green Voice Matters initiative to provide discussion spaces for students, educators, and researchers.
