The Jakarta Post’s Democracy Dialogue will spotlight the state of democracy in Southeast Asia, covering issues such as economic development and the role of a free press in sustaining a region where hundreds of millions make their voices heard every day.

With a keynote speech by Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs of Indonesia Airlangga Hartarto, the forum will invite a number of key figures from the region, including Rappler cofounder and Nobel Prize winner Maria Ressa and President of Timor-Leste José Ramos-Horta.

This series of discussions is designed to stimulate meaningful dialogue on critical issues affecting Indonesia’s media industry.

Across eight distinct 90-minute panel discussions, industry experts, thought leaders and stakeholders will tackle the changing media landscape, along with threats and opportunities presented by technological developments.

Across four days, a series of 8 media literacy workshops for new reporters and senior high school and college students will equip participants with essential media consumption and creation skills for the digital age

Not just to ignite interest in media and journalism as potential career paths, the workshops also aim to stimulate critical thinking and foster creativity — essential 21st-century skills.

In partnership with Kineforum, grab your popcorn and join us for an outdoor cinema at The Jakarta Post building as we journey through the Indonesian silver screen’s portrayal of journalism throughout the ages.

From a moving biographical drama to a love story set in the backdrop of a tumultuous election, our curated list of titles reflect the zeitgeist of their era, entertaining viewers while also hopefully providing something to think about once you’ve finished your popcorn.

Aside from film screenings, our film talk with Kineforum on Aug. 13 brings together some of Indonesia’s most prominent figures in the film industry to explore the art, storytelling and impact of films in the media.

Film criticism has been an integral part of the media when it comes to covering the arts, and The Jakarta Post is no exception. Afterall, filmmaker Joko Anwar, who will be present during the discussion, had his start in the industry after a stint as the Post’s film critic.

Joko will be joined by Magdalene.co cofounder and managing editor Hera Diani, actor and author Rizal Iwan as well as fellow filmmaker and actor Paul Agusta, who will highlight Indonesia’s film criticism scene along with their own transition into the film industry.

A captivating discussion on the dynamic landscape of democracy and political changes in Indonesia over the past four decades. Jusuf Wanandi, an esteemed speaker and writer of the essay compilation Testimony of Change, will take the audience on a thought-provoking exploration of the nation’s sociopolitical evolution, shedding light on societal transformations that have shaped modern Indonesia.

Jusuf Wanandi

Senior fellow and cofounder of the Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS)

Going deeper into the evolution of photojournalism and its vital role within the ever-changing media industry, renowned photojournalist P.J. Leo, The Jakarta Post’s former senior photographer with 29 years of experience, will share his insights from the frontlines of capturing critical moments in history – and how photojournalism has adapted and thrived in the face of technological advancements, social media and the shifting media landscape.

P.J. Leo

The Jakarta Post’s former senior photographer