Basic Reporting
The United States Embassy in Jakarta sponsored a two-day journalism workshop April 11th and 12th of this year for a group of ambitious young professionals representing a broad range of print, online, and radio networks. In partnership with the Broadcasting Board of Governors (BBG) and Voice of America (VOA), embassy representatives introduced 10 young Indonesian journalists to a program designed to enhance competencies in the coverage of social, political, financial, and health-related subjects.
BBG Development Officer Gustavo Win addressed attendees via Skype to stress the importance of their social responsibility, while former Voice of America Special Correspondent and BBG Development Officer Inna Dubinsky reinforced principles of ethical and responsible journalism. Iskandar Zulkarnaen, Kompas.com Community Editor, introduced trainees to concepts of crowdsourcing, new media tools, and the appropriate use of mobile technology.
A combination of vigorous exercises in investigative techniques and standard media practices, paired with real-life scenarios, challenged participants to demonstrate their sharpened skills and new knowledge.
The workshop ended with a certificate ceremony in which Ardyan Mohamad Erlangga, reporter at online publication Merdeka, received special recognition. In his closing remarks, Greg McElwain, Assistant Press Attache, congratulated the graduates with the expressed hope that they immediately practice their new expertise.