Francisca Christy Rosana of Tempo Wins 2025 Udin Award for Excellence in Journalism

Indonesian Journalist Cica Honored with Second Udin Award Amidst Rising Press Freedom Threats

Jakarta, Indonesia – August 8, 2025 – Indonesian journalist Cica has been awarded the prestigious Udin Award for a second time, recognizing her unwavering commitment to journalistic integrity in the face of escalating threats to press freedom.The announcement, made today by the udin Award jury panel in Central Jakarta, highlights cica’s resilience despite experiencing severe intimidation tactics, including physical threats and targeted digital attacks.

The panel specifically cited Cica’s refusal to be silenced,even after receiving a disturbing threat in the form of a pig’s head,as a testament to her dedication. “It’s not just about enduring a series of massive terror attacks, but they never backed down in maintaining the quality and dedication to journalism,” stated jury member Herlambang Wiratraman.

Cica, who received the award via teleconference, expressed gratitude to the wider press community for their support. Her first Udin Award came last year, shared with fellow Tempo journalists for their impactful Leaks of Alus Politics podcast, lauded for inspiring public engagement with a free and self-reliant press.

Though, Cica’s acceptance speech carried a somber note. She acknowledged the award’s importance as a stark reminder that press freedom in Indonesia remains fragile and falls short of desired standards. “this award is not actually for me, but for all of us who continue to have the courage, at the very least for female journalists who persist amidst the difficulties in a situation where media pressure is increasing,” she stated.

The Udin Award: A Legacy of Courage

The Udin award is named in memory of Fuad Muhammad Syafruddin,a journalist from Haian Bernas in Yogyakarta,brutally murdered on August 16,1996,for his heroic reporting on corruption and collusion involving local officials and the military. The award serves as a vital platform to champion press freedom and freedom of expression,recognizing those who face violence while fulfilling their journalistic duties.

A Growing crisis for Indonesian Journalism

Cica’s case underscores a worrying trend of increasing pressure on journalists in Indonesia. the threats she faced – ranging from physical intimidation to complex digital attacks – are becoming increasingly common, creating a chilling effect on investigative reporting and critical analysis.

Evergreen Insights: The Importance of a Free Press

A free and independent press is a cornerstone of any democratic society.It serves as a vital check on power, holding those in authority accountable and informing the public on matters of critical importance. When journalists are threatened, intimidated, or silenced, the public’s right to know is compromised, and the foundations of democracy are eroded.

The Udin Award, and the story of journalists like Cica, serve as a crucial reminder of the ongoing struggle to protect press freedom – not just in Indonesia, but globally. Supporting independent journalism, advocating for stronger protections for journalists, and holding perpetrators of violence accountable are essential steps in safeguarding this fundamental right.

further reading:

Tempo Honored with 2025 Global Fact-Checking Award: https://en.tempo.co/read/2022197/tempo-honored-with-2025-global-fact-checking-award
Stay Updated with Tempo on Google News: https://news.google.com/publications/CAAqBggKMMnVJTCC7gU?hl=en-ID&gl=ID&ceid=ID:en

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Francisca Christy Rosana, a senior investigative journalist with tempo magazine, has been awarded the prestigious 2025 Udin Award for Excellence in Journalism. The announcement,made earlier today at the annual Indonesian Press Freedom Forum in Jakarta,recognizes Rosana’s groundbreaking reporting on illegal logging practices and their connection to political corruption within Kalimantan. This marks a critically importent moment for investigative journalism in Indonesia and highlights the crucial role of a free press in holding power accountable.The Udin Award, named after Udin, a journalist murdered in 1996, is considered the nation’s highest honor for courageous and impactful reporting.

The Winning Examination: Unmasking Kalimantan’s Timber Networks

rosana’s winning series, “Shadows Over Borneo,” meticulously documented a complex network of companies and individuals involved in the illicit timber trade. Her investigation, spanning over 18 months, revealed:

Widespread Illegal Logging: Evidence of deforestation exceeding legal limits in protected forest areas.

Political Collusion: Links between timber barons and local government officials facilitating the illegal operations.

Environmental Impact: Detailed analysis of the devastating ecological consequences, including habitat loss and increased carbon emissions.

Community Displacement: stories of indigenous communities forcibly removed from their ancestral lands to make way for logging activities.

The investigation utilized a combination of data journalism, on-the-ground reporting, and confidential source cultivation. Rosana’s team analyzed satellite imagery,corporate records,and financial transactions to build a compelling case. This exemplifies best practices in environmental journalism and political reporting.

Rosana’s Journey and Commitment to Journalism

Francisca Christy Rosana began her career at Tempo in 2018, quickly establishing herself as a dedicated and tenacious reporter. She has consistently focused on issues of corruption, environmental protection, and human rights.Prior to “Shadows Over Borneo,” Rosana contributed to several impactful investigations, including a report on land grabbing in Sumatra and a series exposing irregularities in government procurement contracts.

Her commitment to ethical journalism and fearless pursuit of truth have earned her respect within the Indonesian media landscape. she is a frequent speaker at journalism workshops and a mentor to aspiring reporters. Rosana’s work is often cited as an example of high-quality public interest journalism.

The Significance of the udin award & Press Freedom in Indonesia

the Udin Award isn’t merely a recognition of journalistic achievement; it’s a powerful symbol of the ongoing struggle for press freedom in Indonesia. While Indonesia has seen improvements in press freedom in recent years, challenges remain. These include:

1. Legal Restrictions: Laws that can be used to stifle critical reporting, such as defamation laws and provisions related to national security.
2. Intimidation and Violence: Threats and attacks against journalists, particularly those investigating sensitive issues.
3. Economic Pressures: Financial constraints facing independent media outlets, making them vulnerable to external influence.
4. Digital Security Threats: Increasing instances of online harassment and hacking targeting journalists.

The award serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by journalists like Udin and the importance of protecting their right to report freely and without fear. Organizations like the Alliance of Independent Journalists (AJI) and the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) actively advocate for media freedom and journalist safety in Indonesia.

Impact of “Shadows Over Borneo” – Real-World Consequences

Rosana’s investigation has already yielded tangible results. Following the publication of her series:

Government Investigation launched: The indonesian government initiated a formal investigation into the allegations raised in the report.

Company Licenses Suspended: Several timber companies implicated in the illegal logging scheme had their operating licenses suspended.

Criminal Charges Filed: authorities have filed criminal charges against several individuals suspected of involvement in the illicit trade.

Increased Public Awareness: The investigation sparked a national debate about the need for stronger environmental regulations and greater transparency in the timber industry.

This demonstrates the power of accountability journalism to drive positive change. The case also highlights the importance of investigative reporting techniques in uncovering corruption and environmental crimes.

benefits of Supporting Investigative Journalism

Investing in and supporting investigative journalism provides numerous benefits to society:

Enhanced Transparency: holds powerful institutions accountable and promotes transparency in government and business.

Reduced Corruption: Exposes corrupt practices and helps to deter future wrongdoing.

Environmental Protection: Raises awareness about environmental issues and advocates for sustainable practices.

Improved Governance: Contributes to better governance and more effective public policies.

Empowered Citizens: Provides citizens with the information they need to make informed decisions.

Practical Tips for journalists Covering sensitive Issues

For journalists working on sensitive investigations, particularly in challenging environments, consider these practical tips:

Source Protection: Prioritize the safety and confidentiality of your sources.

Digital Security: Implement robust digital security measures to protect your communications and data.

Legal Counsel: Seek legal advice before publishing potentially sensitive information.

Risk Assessment: Conduct a thorough risk assessment to identify potential threats and develop mitigation strategies.

Collaboration: Collaborate with other journalists and organizations to share resources and expertise.

* Fact-Checking: rigorously fact-check all information before publication.

The awarding of the 2025 udin Award to Francisca Christy Rosana is a testament to the power of courageous journalism and a beacon of hope for press freedom in Indonesia. Her work serves as an inspiration to journalists everywhere and a reminder of the vital role they play in safeguarding democracy and protecting the public interest. further resources on Indonesian media and press freedom can be found on the websites of AJI and CPJ.