War Journalism Training Held in Türkiye, 16 Southeast Asian and Pacific Journalists Take Part
The “War Journalism Training Programme” has officially opened at the Ankara headquarters of Turkish news agency Anadolu Agency on Monday (14/9/2026). This is the 30th edition of the war journalism training, which aims to equip journalists to report from war zones, disaster areas and other emergencies.
A total of 25 journalists are taking part in the training, 16 of whom come from Southeast Asian and Pacific countries, namely Laos, Malaysia, Vietnam, Cambodia, the Philippines, Indonesia and Papua New Guinea. The other nine are from Anadolu. From Indonesia, a representative of Republika is the sole participant in the training.
The 12-day training programme is organised in cooperation with the Turkish Police Academy and the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA).
Anadolu’s Deputy Director General for Administrative and Financial Affairs, Oguz Enis Peru, revealed that 654 local and international media professionals have taken part in the training across the previous 29 editions of the programme. Peru said the training covers a range of subjects, from war theory and terminology to the laws of conflict in war.
Participants will also be equipped with knowledge of first aid, advanced driving techniques, ballistics, explosives, landmines, personal security and water survival skills.
They will additionally receive training on technology and information security in emergency situations, protection against disinformation and first-person-view (FPV) drone threats, war psychology, and natural disaster coverage.
“We place the utmost importance on strengthening the professional competence and field safety of our journalists serving in various parts of the world,” Peru said.
He added that material on Asian geopolitics has been included for the first time this year, reflecting the participation of journalists from Southeast Asia and the Pacific region.
TIKA Deputy Head Bugra Aydin said the programme has become an internationally respected initiative. The training commemorates journalists who lost their lives while covering Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip.
“The truth is often hidden behind a steadfast and impartial conscience amidst difficult circumstances,” Aydin said.
“The courage and professional dedication you have shown by joining this training are truly worthy of appreciation.”
Police Academy Vice President Fatih Inal described the initiative as a unique certified war journalism training programme. He said the instructors would share their field experience and technical expertise with the participants.
Inal expressed hope that the participants would never need to use the skills they acquire in an actual war zone, noting that the training is being held amid ongoing conflicts around the world.
He dedicated this year’s programme to journalists and innocent civilians killed in wars, particularly journalists who died in Gaza.
“I would like to dedicate this programme especially to the helpless innocent women and children, and to the journalists who lost their lives in Gaza while practising fair and honest journalism,” he said.
Inal also stressed that war coverage is not limited to armed conflict, noting that journalists face equally challenging conditions when covering earthquakes, floods, forest fires and other disasters.