Workshop Schools Timor Press on Peace Reporting

Eras Poke

Jakarta. A two-day journalism workshop on promoting peace in conflict regions is set to begin today in Kupang, East Nusa Tenggara.

Thirty journalists from print and electronic media publications in West Timor will take part in the workshop, which is being organized by the Kupang chapter of the Alliance of Independent Journalists (AJI) and the American Friends Service Committee.

“Other than [providing information], members of the media are expected to contribute to fostering peace in areas of conflict,” said Alex Dimu, chairman of the workshop committee.

“There are great expectations from civil society.”

He said provinces like East Nusa Tenggara were plagued by violence, with communities fighting over land and access to natural resources, as well as experiencing ethnic and religious tensions.

Alex said journalists at the workshop were expected to “reframe” their approach to reporting to promote peace rather than exacerbate conflicts.

“The media should face conflicts occurring in society by presenting news that will not create a bigger problem,” the committee chairman said.

Jemris Fointuna, chairman of AJI-Kupang, said the materials and lessons at the media workshop had been tailored to fit the needs of journalists covering East Nusa Tenggara.

He said organizers and speakers would provide tips and strategies for promoting peace through the media.