TheJakartaPost
Please Update your browser
Your browser is out of date, and may not be compatible with our website. A list of the most popular web browsers can be found below.
Just click on the icons to get to the download page.
ERIA holds East Asia Media Caucus for coordination, knowledge sharing
The latest initiative from the international research group focused on the vital role of journalists and the media in communicating policies and issues to the public in Southeast and East Asia.
Change text size
Gift Premium Articles
to Anyone
Share the best of The Jakarta Post with friends, family, or colleagues. As a subscriber, you can gift 3 to 5 articles each month that anyone can read—no subscription needed!
Participants attend the East Asia Media Caucus, organized by the Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA) as a platform to strengthen cooperation between journalists, policymakers and researchers, on May 9, 2025, at ERIA’s offices in Tanah Abang, Central Jakarta. (Courtesy of ERIA/-)
T
he East Asia Media Caucus (EAMC) was held on Friday to answer challenges of the current dynamics in Southeast and East Asia, from geopolitical tensions and economic transformation to governance, as well as to address the pressing needs of data- and fact-based journalism and strengthen cooperation between journalists, policymakers and researchers from East Asian Summit (EAS) countries.
Organized by the Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA) at its offices in Central Jakarta, the EAMC is the latest development from the annual ERIA Editors’ Roundtable.
“We gather at the East Asia Media Caucus, a platform for journalists, experts and figures from this region to share insights and ideas,” ERIA chief operating officer Toru Furuichi said in his opening speech, as quoted in a press release.
“The journalists’ role is very important in helping the society to understand complex issues and bridging the communication between the public and policymakers,” he said, expressing hope that the new forum could provide journalists with new knowledge in asking critical questions and building strong networks in the region.
Around 10 journalists from Southeast and East Asia Asia attended the one-day event, which started with an introductory session, led by ERIA managing director for policy design and operations Aladdin Rillo, about the institution and its support for ASEAN and Malaysia’s 2025 chairmanship.
Following this were presentations from the institution’s various centers: the ERIA School of Government, which develops leadership and public policy; the Asian Zero Emission Center, which promotes decarbonization efforts, clean energy and environmentally friendly practices; the Digital Innovation and Sustainable Economy Centre (E-DISC), which aims to accelerate responsible digital transformation and inclusive economic growth; and the Regional Knowledge Centre for Marine Plastic Debris, which provides information and support to ASEAN+3 countries in developing solutions and science-based policies for marine plastics.
Meanwhile two panel discussions, one on “Prospects of ASEAN Community” and the other on “ASEAN and Future of Myanmar”, featured current and former officials as well as scholars from ASEAN member states.
An interactive discussion themed “Regional Priorities and Insights” featured senior editors from The Jakarta Post and The Straits Times, providing a platform for understanding journalists’ key interests.
“We believe that the media have a strategic role in creating a healthy public narrative. EAMC reflects our commitment to support accurate and constructive journalism amid regional dynamics,” ERIA senior communications adviser Kavi Chongkittavorn said in closing the event. (nvn)
