Every great story begins with a journalist willing to ask the hard questions, and brave enough to seek the truth, no matter the cost. That spirit lives on.

From 2–10 February 2026, four talented journalists from Indonesia and Timor-Leste traveled to the Netherlands to take part in the Sander Thoenes Program for Journalists, an initiative that carries the name, and the courage, of one of journalism's most inspiring figures.

Sander Thoenes dedicated his career to press freedom and the relentless pursuit of truth. This program is his living legacy, a commitment to nurturing the next generation of journalists who dare to do the same. Presented by the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Indonesia, in collaboration with Foreign Policy Community Indonesia (FPCI) and Radio Nederland Training Centre (RNTC), the program immersed participants in the fast-evolving world of digital journalism, equipping them with the tools to navigate an increasingly complex media landscape:

• Countering disinformation 
• AI in journalism
• Critical thinking & journalistic skills 
• Audience engagement strategies 

But the program was more than skills and sessions. It was about connection, building a professional network that will continue to shape their work long after they returned home. These four journalists carry back more than knowledge. They carry a renewed sense of purpose, to tell bold, responsible, and impactful stories that matter to their communities, and to the world. Here's to the storytellers who keep the truth alive. 

A heartfelt thank you to RNTC Media Training Centre and Foreign Policy Community of Indonesia for making this possible!