Data journalism is vitally important, as highlighted in the opening speech by IDJN executive director Ibu Wan Ulfa: “Data journalism is not an easy job, but if done correctly, it can increase public trust in the media.”

The initiation of the IDJA stems from a wish to support and further motivate the development of data journalism in Indonesia. In an era of increased digital access and availability of news sources, it is critical to highlight the work of fact-based data journalism.

The IDJA event featured an exhibition from the finalists of the competition, as well as several discussions with leading data journalists in the country. The event culminated in an award ceremony on 22 February where three inspiring data journalistic work were selected based on the originality, data accuracy, visual presentation, and the impact that their submissions had on the public.

In the excellence in environmental reporting category, the award was rewarded to the consortium of Majalah Tempo and three international media partners. Project Multatuli won the data-driven investigative reporting category; while Narasi Newsroom won in the excellence in data visualization category.