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Jakarta (Indonesia), 8 December 2016 - In the aftermath of the political events that took place in 1998, journalism in Indonesia has grown out of the media landscape that was once dominated by pliant newspapers andinsipid TV news programmes run under strict government censorship. The numerous cases reported by the media since 1998 on corruption and weak of law enforcement of corruption. However investigative reporting remains underresourced leaving journalist to rely on collaboration to pool resources.
To enhance the skills of journalists in conducting investigative reporting of corruption in Indonesia, UNODC organised a two-day training on reporting corruption for journalists in Jakarta and Makassar. The training was held 1-2 November 2016 in Jakarta and Makassar, South Sulawesi on 28-30 November 2016. The training was co-organised by UNODC Indonesia, the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK), TEMPO News Magazine, Watchdoc and Transparency International Indonesia. Support was provided by the Government of Norway. In opening the training in Jakarta, UNODC Indonesia Country Manager Collie F. Brown highlighted the importance of the media in a democratic society. "The role of media is critical in a democratic society. Media has the ability to shape public opinion and has the responsibility to inform in a manner to clarify complex issues in an age where information is critical" said Mr. Brown
In addition to improving the investigative capacity of journalists in reporting issues related to corruption and money laundering in Indonesia, the training aimed to promote the role of the media in combating and preventing corruption in the public sector. The role of the media in promoting and monitoring good governance and accountability in the public sector was also highlighted by the Deputy Mayor of Makassar Mr. Syamsu Rizal in his opening remarks at the Makassar event. During the training, the participants were exposed to analytical frameworks of investigations ranging from local-regional issues to international collaborative investigations such the release of the Panama Papers earlier this year. A presentation on gender awareness and the ethical roles of journalists wasalso delivered to participants by the Head of Law and Public Relations of KPK, Yuyuk Andriati Iskak, , Budi Setyarso from Tempo, M. Affan R. Tojeng from CSO and UNODC Anti-Corruption Consultant, John Hyde.
In the group discussions, the participants used UNODC's Resource Tool for Governments and Journalists
Reporting on Corruption to conduct mock investigations based on existing scenarios in Indonesia. The resource tool covers a wide range of subjects including the protection of sources, the right of access of information and self-regulatory measures.
At the end of the training, the participants that comprised of seasoned and junior journalists from various printed, electronic and TV news outlets in Indonesia concluded that sound and ethical investigative journalism is a key component in exposing criminal acts and bringing those responsible to justice. Participants also gained knowledge of the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC) as well as anti-corruption programmes in Indonesia as indicated in the post-training questionnaires. In addition to that, the training also enabled less experienced journalists from the two cities to receive best practices on investigative techniques and protection of sources in reporting corruption from seasoned peers attending the training.
The use of advanced investigative techniques combined with collaborative work across frontiers, and sharing data among journalists can expose and degrade corrupt networks as displayed by the release of the
Panama Papers earlier this year. UNODC stands ready to assist the government and media outlets in Indonesia to improve capacity of journalists in conducting in-depth investigative reporting and foster collaborative efforts to combating corruption.
Resource material:
Reporting on Corruption: A Resource Tool for Governments and Journalists
Click
here to read more about the UNODC Indonesia Country Programme.
