In 2021, Traction Energy Asia, in collaboration with the Alliance of Independent Journalists (AJI) Indonesia, launched the Environmental Economics Journalism Academy (AJEL). This initiative was born out of the need to address the dominance of media narratives that focus solely on economic growth—often overlooking the environmental consequences that come with it.
Through AJEL, 20 economic journalists from various national and regional media outlets were selected to participate in an intensive capacity-building program. The academy equipped them with the knowledge and skills to explore development stories through an environmental lens, with close mentorship from editors, senior journalists, and environmental experts.
The program included 18 online sessions, two in-person workshops, and field reporting activities supported by a fellowship grant. As a result, 18 participants successfully produced 26 published stories that integrated environmental perspectives into economic reporting—each published by their respective media outlets.
AJEL has proven to be a powerful platform for strengthening journalistic capacity while fostering collaboration between journalists, academics, and civil society organizations.
Now entering a new phase, AJEL is expanding its alumni network, with continued support from partners such as Ashden Trust and CLUA, reinforcing its commitment to building a more environmentally conscious journalism ecosystem in Indonesia.
