ASIATODAY.ID, SENTUL – In a landmark collaboration, the Indonesian National Defense Forces Peacekeeping Center (PMPP TNI) and the United Nations Information Centre (UNIC) Jakarta have concluded the first-ever Journalist Boot Camp: Experiencing Indonesia’s Peacekeeping Mission, held on 14–15 May 2025 in Sentul, Bogor.
Ten journalists were selected from leading media outlets in Indonesia to take part in the two-day immersive programme, designed to deepen public understanding of Indonesia’s contribution to United Nations peacekeeping operations, particularly in complex missions like in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Indonesia is a major contributor to United Nations peacekeeping: it currently has the fifth largest peacekeeping contingency globally, with 2559 military deployed in 8 mission.
Hosted at the Indonesian Peacekeeping Training Center, the boot camp combined high-level briefings with a full-day simulation exercise. Participants were embedded in a realistic peacekeeping scenario involving conflict mediation, hostage negotiation, and humanitarian assistance, mirroring the complex situations peacekeepers face on the ground.
The participating journalists work for major Indonesian media: Antara, CNN Indonesia, Kompas TV, Kompas.com, Radar Sukabumi (jawa Pos) , Suara.com, Tribun News and TVRI. Correspondents for Al Jazeera and Kyodo News were also among the participants.
“This initiative bridges the gap between the public and peacekeepers by equipping journalists with firsthand experience,” said Miklos Gaspar, Director of UNIC Jakarta.
“It promotes accurate, ethical, and informed reporting on Indonesia’s vital contributions to global peace and security.”
Commander of PMPP TNI Maj.Gen Budi Santoso added, “Through this boot camp, we not only showcase Indonesia’s readiness and commitment to peacekeeping, but also build stronger ties with the media—our essential partner in telling the story of peace.”
Voices from the Field
“This has been an exciting experience that I couldn’t find anywhere else. As a journalist who often covers defense issues, it was fascinating for me to witness the Garuda Troops’ preparations up close. I hope the Garuda contingent will carry out its mission successfully in Congo,” shared Gita Irawan from Tribunnews Network.
“After witnessing the peacekeepers’ preparation process firsthand, I gained a deeper understanding of how vital this mission is for global peace. That said, I am quite concerned about the sustainability of such missions, especially with the growing discourse from some countries to significantly reduce their funding. Hopefully, a solution will come soon,” said Ikhsan Raharjo from Al Jazeera.
“This has been an extraordinary experience—we’ve never had this close of an interaction with the Garuda team. During one of the simulations where we were attacked by a militia, the Garuda troops prioritized our safety as journalists, enabling us to continue reporting even during a crisis,” said Irene from CNN Indonesia.
The journalists took part in simulations conducted by the Indonesian Peacekeeping Mission Training Center (PMPP TNI) as part of the preparation for deploying over 1,000 troops to the peacekeeping mission in Congo. The simulation represented the final stage before deployment, presenting the complex realities of peacekeeping, including armed conflict, abductions, negotiations, hostage situations, and more. The journalists, through this boot camp, became part of these simulations and experienced them firsthand.
As a result of the boot camp, participants are expected to produce coverage that increases visibility of Indonesia’s contribution to global peace while applying conflict-sensitive journalism principles and upholding ethical standards. (AT Network)
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