INDONESIA: Australian journalism interns explore RI media landscape

Journalism Professional Practicum offers Australian journalism students language, cultural, and media training in Indonesia

The Jakarta Post
Saturday, February 16, 2008

By Sian Barbanti

Jakarta --- During their meeting in Perth earlier this month, where the Indonesian and Australian foreign ministers signed the Lombok treaty, both spoke of the need for greater understanding of Indonesia in Australia and vice versa.

One program already delivering results in this area is the inaugural Journalism Professional Practicum (JPP), where 25 Australian journalism students have spent the last six weeks studying, working and being submerged in Indonesia.

The JPP internship program consisted of two weeks of language and cultural training and a four-week internship with local media organizations. The interns came from all over Australia and different backgrounds to live in Indonesia. The media placements included Tempo and The Jakarta Post, Asia Calling, TVRI, RRI, Metro TV, Antara, Reuters, AFP, the United Nations Information Center (UNIC), forestry NGO CIFOR and the Australian Embassy.

The experience has proved invaluable for all those who have participated, with both interns and mentors giving positive feedback. Michelle Perks a student at the University of Sydney and Intern at RRI, said the experience was motivating, showing how many employment possibilities there are overseas, while providing an authentic experience of living and working in Indonesia.

"I think this program rewires your thinking, it makes students consider alternative employment opportunities, and makes you realize that you are capable of living and working overseas," said Michelle.

"It is a fantastic way to get to know Indonesia. By living and working with Indonesians, you learn to really appreciate their culture and at the same time share something of Australian culture."

Michelle's mentor at RRI, Pak Sulis, said that hosting interns was an opportunity to greatly enhance the journalistic integrity of the "Voice of Indonesia".

"We have trained staff in translating and technology, and are always on the look out for people trained in journalism. We hope to attract more journalism graduates in the future," Sulis said.

"These journalism interns come with training and were able to report stories as well as contribute to editing and translating. They also have a trickle down effect and improve our human resources."

The role of the interns varied at each organization and included voice overs, on- screen appearances, news reporting and feature writing. Jessica Cummings completed her journalism internship at the UNIC and was able to go the United Nations Convention Against Corruption as part of the UN team.

"Being able to participate at the UN convention was an unbelievable experience. I wrote and distributed media releases, performed media accreditation and was able to make some amazing contacts," Jessica said.

Clare Rawlinson, second year journalism student at the University of South Australia, and intern at CIFOR, pointed out the effect that the program will have on Australian-Indonesia media relations.

"Whether we stay here to work as journalists or we go home and work in the media, we now have an experience of the 'real' Indonesia, we have been submerged in the lifestyle and culture, and through our work in Australia we can pass on that knowledge," said Clare.

It is envisaged that the JPP will be an annual program, open to all Australian media students and industry professionals. The 2008 JPP, which is managed by Australian Consortium of In-Country Indonesian Studies (ACICIS), was a success for the students who participated, the host organizations and the Australia-Indonesia media relationship.

Date Posted: 2/16/2008