Indonesian Climate Reporting Lacks Depth

Why this is here: Indonesian news articles cite government sources for 45% of their climate change information and business sources for 40%.

A recent study in Indonesia reveals journalists’ understanding of climate change doesn’t match their training. Researchers from Monash Climate Communication Hub, Australia-Indonesia Centre, and Hasanuddin University collaborated on a program involving 15 journalists from South Sulawesi. The program, funded by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, examined local climate reporting.

News coverage currently relies heavily on government sources at 45% and businesses at 40%. Articles rarely link extreme weather to long-term climate change, instead focusing on disaster response. Only five percent of information in these articles comes from scientists.

Journalists express high interest in deepening their knowledge of climate and energy issues. The study highlights an urgent need to equip reporters with expertise to produce informed local journalism. Trained journalists report on these topics more often and with greater confidence.

Further work is needed to strengthen connections between reporters and scientific sources, and to expand training programs across Indonesia.