ANTARA Sharing Session at ISI Yogyakarta Explores the Reality Behind News Photos

Yogyakarta (ANTARA) - The ANTARA National News Agency (LKBN ANTARA) Yogyakarta Bureau held its annual ‘ANTARA Sharing Session’ at the Indonesian Institute of the Arts (ISI) Yogyakarta on Friday. The event featured photojournalist Andreas Fitri Atmoko discussing ‘The Reality Behind News Photos’. In a session titled ‘Behind the News Photo: Risk, Trauma, and the Choice to Endure’, Atmoko shared his experiences and the challenges photojournalists face in the field. He invited participants to understand the reality of a profession that often confronts risky situations. Atmoko recounted his experiences documenting various events, from the eruption of Mount Merapi to floods in Kudus Regency. Through these stories, participants were given a glimpse into the lesser-seen side of photojournalism, including the emotional pressure of witnessing the direct impact of disasters on communities. Head of the ANTARA DIY Bureau, Nur Istibsaroh, stated that the activity is part of the bureau’s annual programme aimed at sharing knowledge with the public and supporting the development of young talent. ‘This activity is one of our annual programmes called the ANTARA Sharing Session and is also a form of corporate social responsibility. It is ANTARA’s support for the surrounding community, including young talents like yourselves,’ she said. She expressed hope that the experiences shared by practitioners would provide insight into the professional world and enrich the knowledge of students interested in photography and journalism. One participant, Rizmi Azza Aqiffina, found the session highly engaging and beneficial, noting that hearing directly from an experienced photojournalist provided valuable learning. The event was part of the Pekan Fotografi Sewon #19 series organised by photography students at ISI Yogyakarta, which also featured an exhibition of final projects by 32 students.