TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Ministry of Human Rights is preparing a scholarship program and strengthening protection for journalists as part of efforts to expand the mainstreaming of human rights in Indonesia.
Thomas Harming Suwarta, Special Staff to the Minister of Human Rights for Digital Transformation and Media Communication, stated that journalists hold a strategic position in raising public awareness regarding human rights, while also being a vulnerable group that often faces intimidation and even doxing while carrying out their duties.
"Journalists' work often makes them vulnerable to human rights violations," Thomas said during a presentation on the human rights journalism program in Bandung, West Java, on Friday, as quoted by ANTARA.
According to him, the government wants to ensure the direct involvement of the media and journalists in the human rights development agenda through programs running throughout 2026. These programs will range from training and reporting scholarships to awards for journalistic work.
"Well, one of the important pillars that we must collaborate with and embrace is the journalist and media community," he said.
The program began with a "Human Rights Journalism Class," which featured several human rights and media experts. The class aimed to strengthen journalists' perspectives when covering human rights issues.
After the training, the Ministry of Human Rights will launch a scholarship program for journalists covering various human rights issues, including shackling, vulnerable groups, and civil liberties.
"Please consider proposing coverage themes that are related to or relate to human rights issues," said Thomas.
He explained that the journalistic work would be selected by the Press Council, media figures, and human rights activists in order to obtain coverage support.
The Ministry of Human Rights has also established the "Human Rights Journalism Award," which will be presented on Human Rights Day, December 10, to recognize outstanding journalistic work that consistently addresses human rights issues.
Thomas said that, starting next year, the program will expand to regional areas in addition to targeting national media. This will allow journalists in various provinces to participate in mainstreaming human rights.
"Let the Ministry of Human Rights' house be our shared home," he said.
He emphasized that the government wants to ensure that journalists receive maximum protection so they can work without fear.
"There is no more doubt and fear in carrying out journalistic duties," said Thomas.
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