A lack of scientific articles, insufficient training for journalists covering science-related topics, and communication barriers between scientists and journalists are all obstacles to science journalism in the Global South, according to a 2023 study by researchers at James Madison University and the University of Punjab.
Indonesian science journalists face many obstacles. In addition to limited opportunities for publishing science articles in Indonesia, where many media outlets do not prioritize news coverage, there is also a lack of reliable data.
Despite these challenges, interest in science journalism in the country is growing, especially in the aftermath of the pandemic, said Melvinas Priananda, executive director of the Society of Indonesian Science Journalists (SISJ): “The COVID-19 pandemic is a starting point where everyone needs certainty and wants to know about science. [being] attentive to the environment around him [and staying healthy].”
I spoke with science journalists in Indonesia to better understand the state of science journalism in the country, its strengths and weaknesses, and what can be improved.
Challenges facing science journalists
Journalists who specialize in science may not have a scientific background, so it is essential that they approach qualified scientists to explain the issues surrounding the research, events, or other developments they may be reporting on.
“I imagined journalists [should] approach their reporting with a scientific perspective, integrating observations, analyses and knowledge of the issues into their coverage, much like [scientists]“Although Indonesian journalism is not heading in this direction, this was my dream,” said Harry Surjadi, an environmental journalist and former ICFJ Knight Fellow.
In 2011, Surjadi created a communication channel that allowed people in remote areas of Borneo to send information via SMS to Ruai TV, a television station in the provincial capital. The initiative also trained citizen journalists to use mobile phones to document issues such as illegal logging and land clearing in the region.
For science journalists, bringing about change through their reporting is another challenge, Surjadi continued: “Convincing the Indonesian public, especially policymakers, to adopt a logical scientific approach in implementing policies is a difficult task for science journalists.”
Just like journalists in other fields, science journalists must do the necessary research on the topics they cover to ensure their reporting is as comprehensive as possible for readers. A lack of preparation can result in overly simplistic coverage of potentially complex science topics.
“Usually those [overly simplistic articles] “These are stories that highlight my research published without me being contacted,” said ecotoxicologist Wulan Koagouw, known for her research into paracetamol contamination in the waters of Jakarta Bay.
Technical terms and language, in particular, can be challenging for journalists. This can make it even harder to get the public to understand the intricacies of the issues. “When a journalist refers to the results of a study and asks intelligent, quality questions, I know they are knowledgeable about the subject,” Koagouw said.
The State of Science Journalism in Indonesia
Interviews with Priananda, Surjadi and Koagouw highlight the effectiveness of science reporting in recent years and the challenges that remain.
Here are some examples of effective science reporting:
- The public can take appropriate action and improve decisions based on journalists’ knowledge base. For example, at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, newsrooms raised awareness about the importance of wearing masks, social distancing, washing hands with soap, and getting vaccinated.
- In examples such as reporting on pollution in Jakarta Bay, Indonesian science journalists have sometimes managed to include solid analysis of scientific research for their audiences.
The growth of science journalism, Priananda noted, has given Indonesians a better understanding of research, innovation and new technologies in the news.
Among the challenges that remain to be addressed today, however:
- Scientific data and research findings can be difficult to access for science journalists in Indonesia.
- Data on science topics, when available, is scattered and difficult for Indonesian journalists to understand.
- Indonesian journalists who lack the scientific training, knowledge and experience to report on scientific events are sometimes reluctant to contact scientists.
I also found during my conversations that science journalism in Indonesia has many positive aspects. In the future, science journalists should keep the following points in mind when practicing their profession:
- Science journalism is receiving increasing attention from media editors and newsrooms.
- Science journalists must study the latest scientific and technological developments to continue to meet the needs of their audience.
- Highlighting the relevance of science-related topics to their lives helps the public better understand research, innovation and new technologies.
- Better understanding of research by journalists can lead to better reporting and, therefore, greater awareness of the benefits of science and technology to society.
Increased media coverage of scientific discoveries, health issues, climate change and many other topics will only increase interest and awareness among citizens and encourage them to make informed decisions in their daily lives on these critical issues.
Photo by Nanda Firdaus on Unsplash.
