Indonesian experts participating in journalism awards night flagged the propensity of inflammatory conflict reporting in traditional news media as being odds with their responsibility toward the promotion of peace and pluralism. It is common practice for news broadcasts and "reality TV” shows to present live, uncensored violence. In the words of Director Garin Nugroho: "Indonesia has lost professional journalism standards that could promote peace... the media has cheapened itself by creating and presenting products designed solely to increase ratings and profits."

Garin and other media experts were speaking at the Television Journalism Awards for Peace and Multiculturalism in Jakarta on September 30, 2010. The awards were organized by the SET Foundation under a grant from the USAID SERASI project. The awards, which were attended by representatives from Indonesia’s television networks and other media outlets, serve as an acute reminder of the importance of peace journalism in a diverse society like Indonesia.

Out of dozens of nominees, Trans7 was awarded first prize for their coverage of East Timor and East Nusa Tenggara families separated after the independence of East Timor from Indonesia who now meet on the international border to maintain their relationship. Second prize went to DAAI TV for its report on a traditional Sundanese musical group whose members are composed solely of chinese Indonesian performers. The pairing is very unusual, given the common perception that the Chinese Indonesian ethnics do not normally share enthusiasm for traditional arts and existing social schism between the Indonesian-chinese with the other ethnics.

"It is imperative to support quality journalism in Indonesia... and it’s high time to encourage the media to package the news through the perspective of peace rather than war, especially in the context of pluralism and multiculturalism in Indonesia," said Agus Sudibyo. In the context of diversity in Indonesian society which can be vulnerable to manipulation, it is important to have media support the unity of the nation.

Dadang Rahmat Hidayat, the chairman of the Indonesian Broadcasting Commission (KPI), said journalism in Indonesia must evolve beyond sensationalism.”We have not reached the level of journalism that is responsible and ethical, and promotes peace and multiculturalism," he said. The SET Foundation organizers said they hoped the awards could help steer Indonesian media away from sensational reporting and toward thoughtful dialogue, and judging by the enthusiastic response from the media that attended the event, they are already on the track to success.

SERASI is a USAID-funded project focused on creating stable, democratic communities. It is implemented by International Relief and Development (IRD).