MARITIMEPOSTS.COM – A group of Indonesian journalists participated in the “Supporting Climate Reporting in Indonesian Newsrooms” program held in Melbourne, Australia, from 11–15 May 2026.
The program was designed as an intensive workshop and knowledge-sharing initiative aimed at strengthening climate communication, environmental journalism, and public engagement practices among Indonesian media practitioners.
Organized collaboratively by the Monash Climate Change Communication Research Hub, the Australia-Indonesia Centre, and the Constructive Institute Asia Pacific Hub, the program brought together journalists, researchers, and communication experts to explore more effective ways of reporting climate issues in Indonesia.
The journey began on Monday, 11 May 2026, with participants departing from Makassar to Jakarta before continuing overnight flights to Sydney and Melbourne.
Upon arrival in Melbourne on Tuesday morning, participants were welcomed and accommodated at Punthill Apartments South Yarra, located near Monash University’s Caulfield Campus, where the workshop activities were centered.
The participants from Indonesia included Kamaruddin Azis from Pelakita.ID, Suriani Mappong from Antara Indonesia, freelance journalist Irmawaty, and Alfian from Tribun Networks.
The main workshop sessions took place on 13–14 May 2026 at Level 8, Building S, Monash University.
Throughout the program, participants explored climate communication foundations, newsroom practices, and the challenges faced by journalists in communicating environmental issues to the public.
Discussions also focused on resource constraints within media organizations, audience perceptions of climate change, and strategies for improving public understanding through more accessible and engaging reporting approaches.
One of the central themes of the workshop was constructive journalism, an approach that encourages journalists not only to report problems but also to highlight solutions, resilience, and opportunities for collective action.
Participants received sessions on climate and energy science, effective communication strategies for diverse audiences, and case studies related to climate challenges in Sulawesi and other vulnerable regions in Indonesia.
These discussions encouraged participants to produce more solution-oriented and community-centered reporting capable of strengthening public awareness and social engagement.
In addition to classroom sessions, the program also created opportunities for professional networking and collaboration between Indonesian and Australian media practitioners.
Participants joined discussions and networking sessions with Australian journalists, allowing for the exchange of perspectives, newsroom experiences, and reporting practices across countries.
Lunch sessions hosted at the MCCH/AIC boardroom and informal evening gatherings further strengthened communication and cooperation among participants and organizers.
The program concluded on Friday, 15 May 2026, with participants returning from Melbourne to Sydney, Jakarta, and eventually Makassar in the early hours of Saturday, 16 May 2026.
Beyond the technical training, the workshop reflected a broader commitment to improving the quality of climate reporting in Indonesian newsrooms.
By promoting constructive storytelling, deeper scientific understanding, and regional collaboration, the initiative aimed to equip journalists with the knowledge and perspective needed to communicate climate challenges and solutions more effectively to the public.Edito
Editorial team