Australia Awards in Indonesia

The Australia Awards are prestigious, transformational scholarships and short courses offered to emerging leaders for study, research and professional development in Australia

Enhancing Professionalism of Muslim Journalists in Handling Disinformation and Hoaxes in the COVID-19 Pandemic Era

14 Dec 2020

Enhancing Professionalism of Muslim Journalists in Handling Disinformation and Hoaxes in the COVID-19 Pandemic Era

Project leader: Ms. Arbaiyah Satriani

Level of education and university: Master, Griffith University

Collaborating Organisations: Muhammadiyah Jabar, Persis, NU Jabar, Hidayatullah Jabar

Project Location: Jawa Barat

Activity Type: Training, workshop or seminar

Sector: Development studies

Project Rationale:

Indonesia has the largest Muslim population in the world. The main source of information for Muslims in Indonesia is mainstream media. However, the level of public trust in the mainstream media continues to decline. This situation makes alternative media more popular for people who are looking for a different perspective. Muslim communities are using alternative media as a reference. Regrettably, the journalism standards applied by alternative mass media (usually Islamic media) are still far from good. Some of these alternative media sources neglect many basics of journalism, such as mixing facts with opinion, misspelling, and good connection with competent resources. But social media is increasingly playing a primary role in the society. If people are allowed to continue quoting social media which contains the views of the author, then the community will have difficulty getting balanced information. In this situation,  the role of alternative media is essential. Therefore, alternative media, as “counter” information providers, should increase their professionalism so that their role of providing information and education for the public can be optimised.

Project Beneficiaries:

40 Muslim journalists

Priority Development Area:

Human development for a productive and healthy society

Link with Australian organisation:

Griffith University

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