Indonesia’s media struggles to maintain independence
In Indonesia, like in many Asian countries, the production of palm oil is a contentious issue. On the one hand, palm oil plantations and the palm oil industry create jobs and income. On the other hand, there are controversial land issues involved. Environmentalists criticize the disastrous effects huge palm oil plantations have on biodiversity.
The media can play a decisive role in structuring the debate and making arguments more transparent for the public. In Indonesia, one of the key players in this debate is the NGO SAWIT Watch Indonesia. Its Programme Director Rahmawati Retno Winarni discussed the relationship between the Indonesian media and organizations representing parts of civil society with DW Akademie’s Patrick Leusch.
This interview was recorded in front of a live audience during this year’s European Development Days in Brussels.
At the European Development Days, DW Akademie presented interviews and debates with representatives from politics, media and international development organizations. Each interview touched on a different aspect of media development.
Organized by the European Commission, the European Development Days is Europe’s premier forum on international affairs and development cooperation. This year, the international conference focused on food security, inclusive growth and engaging the private sector for development.
DW Akademie interviews and debates held at the conference are available on our homepage, as well as over Vimeo and Facebook.
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