Vox pop: 5 things to know about environmental journalism
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Vox pop: 5 things to know about environmental journalism

By Muhammad Arby

Three journalists share their views and experiences with Telum Media. They provide different perspectives on five things you need to know about environmental journalism.

Gilang Helindro, Editor, Betahita.id 
1. Lots of research 
As an Editor specialising in environmental issues, my work involves extensive research on data provided by the Ministry of Environment and Forestry and other sources. I write in-depth articles and participate in multiple forum group discussions that cover issues such as forest and land fires. We also consider opinions from Non-Governmental Organisations and academic experts. 

2. Be alert for your safety 
On-the-ground interviews can be dangerous. This is because environmental issues are usually sensitive and involve many stakeholders. 

3. Data accuracy 
When receiving data, it is important to verify and reconfirm it to the source before using it as news material. 
 
4. Always on the road 
In every work-related travel, we try to cover as many environmental issues as possible on one trip, such as mining, palm oil plantations, deforestation, and marine. Subsequently, we assign tasks accordingly. For example, one team member visited the Orang Utans in Tapanuli while another covered forest and land fires in West Kalimantan. We also collaborate with the Alliance of Independent Journalists (AJI) in each region. 

5. Threat 
Sometimes, I find people tailing me. I once lost my laptop and hard disk, but finally found them in a building owned by a large corporation. When I tried to retrieve my items, I was met with some questions. That's why, now when I go to the field, I carry different gadgets. My data is also stored in the cloud. Moreover, it is advisable not to follow the same route repeatedly for your safety. 
  
Lusia Febriana Arumingtyas, Journalist, Mongabay Indonesia 
1. Not your typical travel 
It isn't like a recreational trip to relieve stress. When dealing with government issues in the past, I used to travel with government officials and stay in luxury hotels and other comfortable places. However, when it comes to the environmental sector, the places I visit can be more challenging. 

2. Sensitive to the environment 
When I visited natural tourist spots, I became more conscious of the need for sustainability and environmental priorities. 

3. Unpredictable working hours 
Like most journalists, my working hours are often unpredictable. However, the resulting report is more in-depth. I also have to be ready to work on weekends. 

4. Struggling with communication signals 
You will encounter communication signal difficulties when you become an Environmental Journalist in areas such as palm oil and coal plantations that have not yet been explored. 

5. Threat 
This is a common thing to experience, but it should not be considered normal. Unknown numbers often contact me. 
  
Silvano Hajid, Multimedia Broadcast Journalist, BBC News (Jakarta) 
1. Play an important role in highlighting environmental impacts 
Many people are unaware of the environmental impact. I focus on highlighting this issue and directing policymakers to synchronise solutions to environmental problems. 

2. Not the main issue 
Environmental issues often fail to attract the attention of the general public. Therefore, I have to make them relevant to society. 

3. Threat 
On several occasions, I received threats and was visited by strangers. Unknown people have also suddenly contacted me. 

4. Challenges to government 
The biggest challenge for me is how we can meet, talk, and ask for a voice from the government regarding the environment. Land conflicts are also environmental issues, such as those related to national strategic projects. 

5. Ease of access to researchers 
As a journalist who works in the environmental sector, it is easier for me to get story material from researchers. Aside from that, academic journals are also usually open to the public. 

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