Media Literacy and Capacity Building Workshop Series

1.  Project Background, Goals, and Objectives With over 270 million people and one of the world’s largest social media user bases, Indonesia’s citizens consume media content from a wide array of traditional and digital sources. As the country continues to expand its regional leadership role, Indonesian journalists must develop their capacity to report accurately and comprehensively on critical issues, including democratic governance, foreign policy, transnational security threats, economic development, and emerging technologies.   For purposes of this solicitation, activities that involve identifying false or misleading information should focus on objectively verifiable factual claims, coordinated information manipulation, or manipulated digital media (including deepfakes and coordinated inauthentic behavior). Applicant should not classify policy disagreements, political viewpoints, or criticism of governments as misinformation or disinformation solely because they differ from official positions.    This program addresses Indonesia’s growing demand for professional capacity building in journalism across multiple strategic domains. By equipping journalists with advanced skills in media literacy, fact-checking, data journalism, policy analysis, and critical thinking on issues that shape Indonesia’s future and role in the Indo-Pacific region, the United States strengthens the capacity of journalists to deliver accurate and in-depth coverage on domestic, regional, and international issues. The program amplifies credible local voices , expands audience access to independent sources of information, and empowers the public to better navigate Indonesia’s increasingly complex information environment.    Primary Audience: Journalists from print, broadcast, and digital media working across Indonesia Newsroom editors and managers News content creators Participants must be Indonesian citizens or residents Secondary Audience: University students majoring in mass communication University students who are part of campus media Indonesian media organizations and journalism associations   Project Goal Strengthen the capacity of Indonesian journalists to deliver accurate, in-depth, and credible coverage of democratic governance, security issues, economic affairs, and emerging technologies that empowers an informed citizenry. The program demonstrates the U.S. commitment to strengthening democratic governance, freedom of expression, digital freedom, and information integrity in Indonesia. Investing in Indonesian journalists directly advances U.S. foreign policy priorities by e xpanding access to accurate information, exposing falsehoods, and strengthening information integrity in the Indonesian media environment. A successful program would equip Indonesian journalists with advanced skills in media literacy, fact-checking, digital verification, data journalism, and critical information evaluation. Participants would deepen their understanding of democratic systems, U.S. foreign policy, transnational security issues such as IUU fishing and maritime security, and Indo-Pacific geopolitics, enabling more informed and analytical reporting on issues central to Indonesia’s national interests, the U.S.-Indonesia bilateral relationship, and security and economic issues for the Indo-Pacific region. The program would generate multiplier effects by empowering participants to train colleagues and promote best practices within their own newsrooms and communities.   Project Objectives: The project objectives are the specific and measurable results PDS aims to achieve through this project. They describe necessary and pre-requisite changes required to move closer to achieving the project goal. ●      Objective 1 – Equip a minimum of 500 Indonesian journalists from print, broadcast, and digital media across Indonesia with advanced skills in media literacy, fact-checking, digital verification,

Eligible ApplicantsThe following organizations are eligible to apply:• Indonesia-based non-profit organizations and non-government organizations (NGO)• Indonesian public and private educational institutions• Indonesian journalism associations and media development organizations• Indonesian civil society organizations with experience in journalism trainingApplications from organizations that have experience in managing journalism training programs, media capacity building, and professional development programs are encouraged to apply.For-profit entities, even those that may fall into the categories listed above, are not eligible to apply for this NOFO.