BPDPKS Launchs 2nd Journalist Fellowship Program

Ten journalists from national media took part in the 2^nd Batch of Journalist Fellowship Program organized by the Indonesia Oil Palm Plantation Fund Management Agency (BPDPKS) to improve their knowledge and skill of news reporting about palm oil. The journalists who works for printed and online media publication joined a technical briefing on key aspects in palm oil industry in Jakarta, Monday (22/7/2019).

They are also scheduled take part in field visit to oil palm plantation in Sintang Regency, West Kalimantan. “We are expecting the program could provide participants deep insights into palm oil industry so that they can create meaningful journalistic products of which the public can take advantage,” BPDPKS’

Partnership Director Tulus Budhianto said as he officially opened the session in Jakarta, (22/7/2019). In his opinion, people demand more information on palm oil as the industry is rapidly developing. However, creating a good journalistic product requires skill and knowledge of technical aspects in palm oil sector, from aspects on plantations, management, environment, to products and their derivatives.

“We are expecting journalists to take advantages of this program to boost their knowledge and expertise in reporting news about palm oil,” Tulus said.

Participants will also join field trips to observe palm oil production process, including visit oil palm plantation and interact with farmers. They are also scheduled to visit a palm oil mill to examine production process as well as to get a picture of its waste management system.

The program also offers participant to carry out research to gather data and information in order to create journalistic products. Three participants who are considered to be the best in creating journalistic works will be offered an opportunity to cover overseas events to see international responses to palm oil issues. ***