Reported by: Ainol Amriz
12 December 2024, Jakarta – As journalists in Indonesia face job cuts due to downsizing, industry player recommend providing them opportunities to remain in the media sector. This can be achieved through the development of local and collaborative news portals, enabling journalists to continue contributing to the media landscape.
This suggestion comes amid reports that some Indonesian journalists, have been without salaries for few months.
Nany Afrida, President of the Alliance of Independent Journalists (AJI), highlighted the pressing need for media professionals to receive business-related training to understand the industry better before establishing news portals that can compete with larger media outlets.
Taufiqurahman of the SPCI (CNN Indonesia Union) also emphasized the importance of such training, as it would equip journalists with the necessary skills to navigate the competitive media environment.
During the discussion, media representatives also raised concerns about AI being a potential source of job losses for journalists. However, this was debated with representatives from Malaysia and Australia, who clarified that reliance on technology is essential but AI is not the cause of job losses as it still requires human management.
These concerns are echoed in the academic study “The Landscape and Impact of Digitalization on Business Models and Editorial Dynamics in Indonesia’s Media Industry,” conducted by experts from Universitas Multimedia Nusantara, Jakarta. The study explores the challenges and impacts of digitalization on the business models and editorial practices within the Indonesian media industry.
The Malaysian Press Institute (MPI) shared similar sentiments during the IFJ Malaysia-Indonesia: Media Mission – Strengthening Solidarity on Media Viability, Regulation, and Rights in South East Asia program, held in Jakarta from December 8 to 13, 2024. MPI advocates that business-related training should also be provided to affected journalists in Malaysia to ensure their continued viability in the media industry.
