Ethics in journalism

Main article: Journalism ethics

Some journalists in the United States adhere to the standards and norms expressed in the Society of Professional Journalists ethical code.^[1] Foremost in the minds of most practicing journalists is the issue of maintaining credibility, "Professional integrity is the cornerstone of a journalist's credibility."^[1] For journalists struggling with ethical decisions, there is an Ethics AdviceLine for Journalists.



According to the 2008 prison census by the Committee to Protect Journalists, the world's biggest jailers of journalists are:^[2]

1. People's Republic of China
2. Cuba
3. Burma
4. Eritrea
5. Uzbekistan

The Reporters Without Borders and the Committee to Protect Journalists publish reports on press freedom and organize campaigns.

What is the JPP?

The JPP is a unique opportunity to develop your journalism skills within an international media environment, while learning about globally significant issues in one of the region's most important nations.

Indonesia, as the world's largest Muslim nation and home to the most significant tracts of tropical forests outside Brazil, is at crossroads of two critical contemporary global debates. Can Islam and democracy co-exist and can innovative, global environmental initiatives -- such as compensating Indonesia for logging income lost when forests are protected -- help bring global emissions down? Indonesia is also Australia's most important neighbour. Given the long history of bi-lateral tensions, understanding Indonesia can only enhance a new media career. As the world's fifth most populous nation, struggling with significant poverty, underemployment and inadequate public services, Indonesia also offers young visiting journalists the opportunity to consider politics, economics and daily life from a new angle, outside the Western media lens.

The JPP internships offer a range of practical skill building opportunities from magazine writing to multi-media production to news reporting; for English-language, Indonesian and international media organizations. After decades of censorship, the media in Indonesia has emerged as a vibrant, critical "fourth estate". The JPP also offers internships in key international organizations, which have established communications strategies and the ability to publish and broadcast globally; such as the WWF, Greenpeace and the United Nations. Rapidly evolving media models are providing expanding opportunities for young journalists to create quality content for web based direct-to-audience media models. These international communications internships also offer experience in media advocacy in the environment and development sectors.

At the opening ceremony for JPP 2009 Australian Ambassador to Indonesia Mr Bill Farmer said:
“I congratulate ACICIS on providing this opportunity to young visitors to Indonesia and also basically for having the vision to see that this is really a very important foundation stone in the sort of relationship we are building between our two countries. That is, a relationship I think that is increasingly one of understanding. That’s where the ACICIS students really come into this, coming to understand Indonesia yourselves, but then conveying that understanding to an Australian audience.”

JPP details

The JPP is open to students of journalism, media and communications studies, and cadet journalists. The program is designed to provide participants, who may not necessarily have Indonesian-language skills or experience in Indonesia, with the opportunity to live and work in the diverse and dynamic media scene of the bustling capital, Jakarta. A pilot JPP program was held in 2002, and full programs were held in Jakarta in 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011.

Some important points

• Applicants should be aware that they are applying for the program, not a specific placement. Participants must therefore accept that they may not get their preferred placement. In addition, all ACICIS placements with journalism organisations depend entirely on the good will and preparedness of such organisations to host participants. Such organisations retain the right to withdraw from the program or vary the number of participants they host at any stage. Therefore, while acting in good faith in preparing students for placements, ACICIS cannot guarantee any specific internship site and participants must accept this need for flexibility as a condition of participation in the Journalism Professional Practicum.
• The visa that students use is not a working visa. Students are in breach of their visa provisons by doing stringer work, or any other kind of paid work, while on the JPP. ACICIS takes this matter very seriously and will take disciplinary measures against any student found doing this.
• Travel outside of Jakarta for business or pleasure is only allowed with the advance permission of the Project Officer. There are strict provisions attached to this and these can be read on the last page of the application forms.
• Students are advised to take a laptop with them to Indonesia, as in most cases this will help them greatly in their work placements. In some work placements it is essential.
• You may also want to consider bringing specific journalism devices (e.g. recording devices) with you, as these will not necessarily be provided at your work placement.
• Please be advised that Atma Jaya has a dress code which will be enforced by ACICIS. T-shirts and thongs are not appropriate.
• If you cannot attend orientation then you will unfortunately not be able to participate in the program.
• All participants must agree to abide by a Stakeholders' Protocol.