SEAPA MEMBER PROFILES:

Alliance of Independent Journalists, (AJI)

      AJI was the first organization in Indonesia formed specifically to fight for freedom of the press. Although the state sponsored Indonesian Association of Journalists (PWI) had been in existence for many years when AJI was formed in August 1994, it did little if anything to fight for press freedom. As such, AJI was created to truly represent independent journalists. Prior to the ouster of President Soeharto in May 1998, AJI operated as an underground organization and the risks of AJI membership in the past were clear. Four of its members were jailed for their role in producing two independent magazines and other AJI membership were sacked from their newspapers or pressured to resign.

    During the Soeharto years, AJI was not recognized by those in power, who preferred to support the PWI, as a readily co-opted organization for journalists. In spite of this, AJI continued to defend both its members and the wider journalistic community. Besides producing the acclaimed Independen and Suara Independen magazines, AJI provided valuable information through a number of books, seminars and discussions, as well as by supporting those journalists and their families victimized by the oppressive regime. These activities have not gone unnoticed by the international community, which has paid tribute to AJI through a number of awards, including the Rob Baker Award (1996, from the International Federation of Journalists), Committee to Protect Journalists' World Press Freedom Award (1994), Free Media Pioneer '97 (Freedom Forum) and International Press Institute (IPI) Award.

      The downfall of Soeharto in May 1998 brought a change for the better in press freedom, but the news has not all been good. A degree of openness never imagined possible is nevertheless balanced by the remnants of three decades of unquestioning journalism. Self-censorship and a degree of continuing government intervention remain problems. Several religious organizations have exploited the current climate to intimidate newspapers with threats of demonstrations. In addition, the same monetary crisis that helped topple Soeharto also threatens many publications.

      The relative openness of the previous months has allowed AJI to commence its transition to become a representative journalistic trade union, a shift that will involve a significant expansion of the organization and necessitate a greater degree of openness to all who want to join. At present, AJI operates out of a subdivided house with only one full-time staff, the slack being taken up by a dedicated committee, who themselves are full-time journalists.

      Its trade union ambitions aside, AJI remains vocal on issues of importance to the Indonesian media. It continues to oppose all forms of licensing for both journalists and the print media, while developing a media watch body to monitor ethical and professional issues likely to arise with greater journalistic freedom. It also continues to monitor the drafting of new media laws.

Contact:
Alliance of Independent Journalists
Aliansi Jurnalis Independen (AJI)
Jl. PAM Baru Raya
16, Pejompongan
Jakarta 10210, Indonesia
Tel. 62 21 572-7018/918-3810
Fax: 62 21 5727018
jurnalis@idola.net.id
http://www.aji.or.id

Center for Media Freedom and Responsibility (CMFR)

      The formation of the Center for Media Freedom & Responsibility (CMFR) addresses one of the critical questions confronting the Philippines after People Power toppled the Marcos dictatorship in February 1986. That question calls attention to the power of media and the role of the free press in the development of Philippine democracy.

      Freedom of the press is essential to a democratic system. Effective participatory government depends on a well-informed society and a free-flow of ideas. But that freedom depends not only on the media itself, but also on the readers, listeners and viewers who receive information as part of the cycle of public communication. Freedom of the press makes this possible but like all liberties it has its limits and can be vulnerable to abuse. CMFR was organized as a private organization, non-stock and non-profit, involving the different sectors of society in the task of building up the press and other news media as a pillar of democratic society. Its programs uphold press freedom, and recognize the requirements of responsible journalism. CMFR received the Catholic Mass Media Award for Public Service in 1993 and the Joaquin "Chino" Roces Award in 1998.

      CMFR was established in 1989. It employs a full-time staff of six (executive director, a program associate, administrative staff and researcher-writers). All other work is contracted on a project basis. Its funding is comes from Philippine and foreign foundations as well as other private donors.

OBJECTIVES
· To protect and strengthen the free press as a pillar of democracy
· To establish a framework of responsibility and ethics in the practice of the press
· To promote journalistic excellence
· To engage different sectors of society in building up a free press in the Philippines

PROGRAM OF ACTIVITIES
· Philippine Journalism Review
· Jaime V. Ongpin Awards for Investigative Journalism (JVOAIJ)
· Media and Women · Media and Judiciary
· Media and the Peace Process
· Media and Economic Information
· Media and Civil Society
· Media and Corruption
· Journalists on Alert

Contact:
Center for Media Freedom and Responsibility (CMFR)
Unit 2 No. 9 Twin Peaks Drive
Blue Ridge B
Quezon City, Philippines
Tel: 63 2 647-0945, 647-4453 (-4)
Fax: 63 2 647 0945
cmfr@surfshop.net.ph
http://www.cmfr.com.ph

Institute for the Studies on Free Flow of Information (ISAI)

      ISAI is a non-profit non-governmental organization established in 1994 and dedicated to journalism training and media research.

      Journalists Goenawan Mohamad, Fikri Jufri, Aristides Katoppo, radio broadcaster Muhammad Sunjaya as well as scholars Mochtar Pabottingi and Ashadi Siregar set up the Jakarta-based organization to enhance the development of independent and free media in Indonesia. A few months earlier the Indonesian government had closed down three news weeklies to silence the most critical parts of the mainstream media. The closure prompted thousands of people to protest the action. Goenawan, the chief editor of the long-established Tempo magazine, believed that the struggle should be institutionalized for a long-term fight.

      But ISAI is not involved directly in advocacy work. It prefers to train students and younger journalists about professional journalism. It annually holds the widely known "ISAI AWARD" competition among alternative media organizations in Indonesia. The top ten winners of the award are invited to participate in a one-week technical training in Jakarta before joining several mainstream newspapers such as The Jakarta Post, the leading English-language newspaper in Indonesia, for a three-week internship.

      ISAI also monitors media development in Indonesia, recording the day-to-day affairs of Indonesian journalism from the closure of a newspaper to the killing of journalists. It also has published books on current and media-related issues. With the opening of the media in May 1998 following the ouster of President Soeharto, ISAI formed a separate radio division, Radio 68H, to produce and distribute news programs via the Internet and by satellite to a network of radio stations throughout the country.

      Goenawan is now the director of ISAI. He is helped by a number of young journalists and staffers. Altogether ISAI employs 23 people. Its office is located in the Theater Utan Kayu complex in eastern Jakarta, a popular meeting place for journalists, artists and scholars. The complex also hosts an art gallery, a theater, a bookshop, Cafe Tempo and other cultural and art-related organizations.

Contact
nstitute for the Studies on Free Flow of Information (ISAI)
Jalan Utan Kayu 68-H
Jakarta 13120
Indonesia
Tel. 62 21 8573388
Fax 62 21 857 3387
isai@isai.or.id
http://www.oneworld.org/isai

Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism (PCIJ)

      PCIJ is an independent, nonprofit media agency that specializes in investigative reporting. It was founded in 1989 by nine Filipino journalists who realized, from their years on the beat and at the news desk, the need for newspapers and broadcast agencies to go beyond day-to-day reportage.

      While the Philippine press is undoubtedly the liveliest and freest in Asia, deadline pressures, extreme competition and budgetary constraints make it difficult for many journalists to delve into the causes and broader meanings of news events.

      The Center believes that the media play a crucial role in scrutinizing and strengthening democratic institutions. The media could-and should-be a catalyst for social debate and consensus that would redound to the promotion of public welfare. To do so, the media must provide citizens with the bases for arriving at informed opinions and decisions.

      The Center contributes to this end by promoting investigative reporting on current issues in Philippine society and on matters of public interest. It does not intend to replace the work of individual newspapers or radio and television stations, but merely seeks to encourage the development of investigative journalism and to create a culture for it within the Philippine press.

      The Center funds investigative projects for both the print and broadcast media. It puts out books on current issues and publishes i, an investigative reporting magazine. In addition, PCIJ organizes training seminars for journalists and provides trainers for news organizations in the Philippines and Southeast Asia. It also conducts seminars and studies on issues involving the media and information access.

      In the ten years since its founding, PCIJ has published over 180 articles in major Philippine newspapers and magazines, produced five full-length documentaries, and launched over a dozen books. It has also won major awards, including six National Book Awards, a Catholic Mass Media Award, and more than two dozen awards and citations from the Jaime V. Ongpin Awards for Investigative Journalism.

      PCIJ stories make an impact. Well-researched and well-documented, these reports have contributed to a deeper understanding of issues from politics to the environment, health and business to women and the military. Some of these reports have prodded government action on issues like corruption, public accountability and environmental protection.

      The Center is run by a 13-person staff headed by an executive director. A board of editors, composed of PCIJ's founders, meets every month to guide and assess the Center's operations. A board of advisers, composed of men and women chosen for their probity, independence and integrity, helps determine the broad directions of the Center. PCIJ receives foundation support for its work. It earns a modest income from its publications, which is plowed back into the Center's operations.

Contact
Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism (PCIJ)
3/F Criselda II Building
107 Scout de Guia
Quezon City 1103
Philippines
Tel. 63-2-410-4768 (-69)
Fax. 63-2-410-1346
pcij@cnl.net
http://www.pcij.org

Thai Journalists Association (TJA)

      The Thai Journalists Association (TJA) was established on March 2, 2000 to respond to challenges brought about by Thailand's political reforms and a growing demand for a higher standard of media professionalism. The executive committees of the Reporters' Association of Thailand (1952) and the Journalists Association of Thailand (1964) decided to merge their organizations to improve their efficiency, avoid overlapping activities, better serve members and jointly protect press freedom. With the two organizations now under TJA, the Thai media has consolidated itself to act with a united voice and vision.

      TJA will dwell on issues concerning press freedom, media skills, professionalism and welfare. Following the 1997 economic crisis, it became obvious that there is also a dire need among Thai journalists to have good governance - a relatively new concept in Thailand. Thai media must embrace good governance to ensure the highest level of integrity and accountability. Thai media did not do its job well as an early warning system because it was part of the bubble economy that went bust.

      TJA is committed to creating an environment for the Thai media to do their jobs professionally. TJA will work closely with National Press Council of Thailand to monitor the quality of Thai media and it will make sure that the Thai media respects human integrity and the human rights of the disadvantaged groups in society.

      TJA would like to share its experience on media with neighboring countries and abroad. It is imperative that countries in the region learn from the media experience of one another. As the first Southeast Asian country to have an access to information law that allows the public to obtain government-held information, Thailand can provide valuable lessons. TJA can play a catalytic role in promoting the public right to know and freedom of expression. What TJA has learned and experienced will be shared with others.

      TJA has 1,500 members coming from both print and broadcast journalists. Its financial sources come from both fund-raising activities inside the country and generous assistance provided by Bangkok-based media organizations and abroad.

Contact:
Thai Journalists Association (TJA)
55 Mansion 8 Ratchadamnoen Klang Ave.
Bangkok 10200,
Thailand
Tel. 66 2 629 0022
Fax 66 2 280 0337
reporter@inet.co.th
http://www.tja.or.th

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