Tantowi Anwari: Journalists Must Side with Marginalized Groups

Theater of the Faculty of Da'wah and Communication, UIN Online News - The Journalism Study Program at UIN Jakarta held a Studium Generale or public lecture titled "Framing Indonesia's Diversity from an Inclusive Journalism Perspective" on Wednesday, May 29, 2024.

The lecture focused on inclusive journalism and journalists' allegiance to the public. Tantowi Anwari, Advocacy Manager of the Journalists for Diversity Union (SEJUK), highlighted that inappropriate news headlines often create perspectives that blame the victims.

"Headlines in mainstream media frequently lack a victim's perspective and are full of negative stigma that violates journalistic ethics," said Tantowi.

He emphasized that the media should give more space to victims. The politicization of identity and implicit bias in the media often lead to violence and chaos, considering the media is a public information source. He also discussed the neutrality of journalists in news coverage.

"Journalists should not be neutral; they must side with marginalized groups. Journalism should be a safe space for the oppressed," he stated.

Additionally, Awla Rajul, a reporter from Bandung Bergerak, shared his views on how the media should act when covering sensitive issues.

"When covering issues or conflicts based on religion, it is essential to consider the possibility that the report could escalate tensions or pose a danger to those being covered," said Awla.

Furthermore, he asserted that journalists bear the responsibility to report the truth, serve the public, defend the marginalized, and monitor power.

(Nadhira Rahmah/ Fauziah M./ Noeni Indah S./Faadhila Idris)