MoEF, FAO, and Padjadjaran University Launch "Wildlife Journalism Competition"
Jatinangor, 22 May 2024 – Padjadjaran University's Center for Environmental Communication Studies (Pusdikomling) officially launched the "Wildlife Journalism Competition" (WJC), the biggest journalistic competition in Indonesia today (22/5) at Padjadjaran University, Jatinangor Campus. Approximately 500 university students attended this event both in person and online. This competition, which seeks to raise awareness of the importance of wildlife conservation through journalistic work, is open to campus journalists, including the student press (Persma), the campus journalist community, and students from all over Indonesia who are interested in conservation issues, particularly wildlife conservation.
WJC is supported by the Ministry of Environment and Forestry (KLHK), the Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), Pertamina New and Renewable Energy, and the Press Council.
The WJC was opened by Tomy Perdana, Director of Innovation and Corporations Padjadjaran University, who represented the chancellor by symbolically planting a kujang, a traditional weapon symbol of Sundanese culture that represents the commitment of all parties involved in biodiversity protection in Indonesia.
Perdana stated that this competition was in line with Padjadjaran University's main scientific pattern, which has been developed since the 1970s, namely, the noble development of law and the environment designed by Padjadjaran University professors.
"This notion was initially introduced 54 years ago and is now being realized; it is significant because the environment is inextricably linked to other areas of sustainability. The problem of wildlife is becoming more complex, with environmental issues, climate challenges, and new infectious diseases," he stated.
The Dean of the Faculty of Communication Sciences, Padjadjaran University, Dadang Rahmat Hidayat, stated that this activity was an opportunity to protect animals and their environment. "These themes deal with topics that are rarely discussed in the context of communication, such as animals and the environment. This is excellent; we must safeguard the animals and the environment around us," said Dadang.
The Indonesian Ministry of Environment and Forestry, represented by Nunu Anugrah, Director of Species Biodiversity and Genetic Conservation, emphasized the significance of this event for the future of conservation in Indonesia. "It is my hope that through WJC, more journalists and students will be able to produce quality journalistic works about wildlife conservation and environmental preservation to increase public awareness of this important issue."
On the same occasion, Rajendra Aryal, FAO Representative for Indonesia and Timor Leste, greatly welcomed this WJC event. “Young people involvement are pivotal in safeguarding the health of humans, animals, and the environment to ensure a healthier and stronger community. This event is a crucial step towards raising public awareness and increase community support for One Health initiatives, particularly in pandemic prevention and addressing health threats that arise from wildlife,” said Aryal. He further stated that FAO, alongside the Indonesian government, stands ready to support youth engagement initiatives for One Health advocacy.
USAID also expressed its full support for the running of this event. “Innovation and collaboration are the keys to improving health quality in Indonesia,” said Enilda Martin, Director of USAID Indonesia’s Health Office. “The United States, through USAID, is proud to be a part of Indonesia’s One Health pandemic prevention effort as a testament to our shared commitment.”
WJC will run until November 2024, with categories including features, photo stories, and video documentaries. This competition covered a variety of themes, including human-animal conflict, hunting, animal commercialization, zoonosis, degradation of habitat, and animal trafficking. This competition will host workshops for both competition participants and the general public at several universities in Bali, Surabaya, Medan, Pekanbaru, Ambon, Pontianak, and Cilegon. The competition winner will receive an award and have their work broadcast on national television.
For more information, visit @wildlife.journalismcomp