LPDS runs workshop for journalists

YOGYAKARTA: Some 20 senior journalists representing print media with both local and national circulation are attending a workshop on feature reporting and writing held here by the Jakarta-based Dr. Soetomo Press Institution (LPDS).

Officially opened on Tuesday with a three-day program of presentation, discussion and field trip, the event is scheduled to resume by the end of next month with a writing competition on topics selected by participating journalists.

The program is held as a result of cooperation with the Ramon Magsaysay Award Foundation and Rockefeller Brothers Fund through the Program for Asian Projects (PAP). It focuses on three major topics: empowering the poor, public services and regional budget.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Atmakusumah Astraatmadja of LPDS said that the workshop was aimed mainly at promoting media awareness of initiatives to empower the poor, and encouraging in- depth reporting in the mass media.

"This is a tryout for us. If it is considered a success we shall conduct similar workshops in other cities," Atmakusumah said. --JP