First-Ever Journalist Boot Camp Shows Indonesian Media Peacekeeping Mission Up Close

TEMPO.CO, Sentul, West Java - In a landmark collaboration, the Indonesian National Defense Forces Peacekeeping Center (PMPP TNI) and the United Nations Information Centre (UNIC) Jakarta have successfully concluded the inaugural Journalist Boot Camp: Experiencing Indonesia’s Peacekeeping Mission. Held on May 14–15, 2025, in Sentul, Bogor, the program provided an unprecedented experience for Indonesian journalists.

Ten journalists from leading Indonesian media outlets were selected to participate in the two-day program, which was designed to deepen public understanding of Indonesia's contributions to United Nations peacekeeping operations, especially in complex missions like those in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Indonesia is a major contributor to UN peacekeeping, currently ranking as the fifth largest globally with 2,559 military personnel deployed across eight missions.

Hosted at the Indonesian Peacekeeping Training Center, the boot camp combined high-level briefings with a full-day simulation exercise. Participants were embedded in a realistic peacekeeping scenario involving conflict mediation, hostage negotiation, and humanitarian assistance, mirroring the complex situations peacekeepers encounter on the ground. 

Journalists cover a simulated siege by an armed militant group during the inaugural Journalist Boot Camp: Experiencing Indonesia’s Peacekeeping Mission on May 14–15, 2025, in Sentul, Bogor. Doc. UN Indonesia

The participating journalists represented prominent Indonesian media organizations, including Antara, CNN Indonesia, Kompas TV, Kompas.com, Radar Sukabumi (Jawa Pos), Suara.com, Tribun News, and TVRI. Correspondents from Al Jazeera and Kyodo News also participated.

“This initiative bridges the gap between the public and peacekeepers by equipping journalists with firsthand experience,” said Miklos Gaspar, Director of UNIC Jakarta, in a press release on Thursday, May 15. “It promotes accurate, ethical, and informed reporting on Indonesia’s vital contributions to global peace and security.”

Commander of PMPP TNI Maj. Gen. Budi Santoso added, “Through this boot camp, we not only showcase Indonesia’s readiness and commitment to peacekeeping but also build stronger ties with the media—our essential partner in telling the story of peace.”

Journalists at the inaugural Journalist Boot Camp: Experiencing Indonesia’s Peacekeeping Mission on May 14–15, 2025, in Sentul, Bogor, listen to briefings from TNI peacekeeping troops. Doc. UN Indonesia

Voices from the Field

“This has been an exciting experience that I couldn’t find anywhere else. As a journalist who often covers defense issues, it was fascinating for me to witness the Garuda Troops' preparations up close. I hope the Garuda contingent will carry out its mission successfully in Congo,” shared Gita Irawan from TribunNews Network as quoted from the same press release.

“After witnessing the peacekeepers’ preparation process firsthand, I gained a deeper understanding of how vital this mission is for global peace. That said, I am quite concerned about the sustainability of such missions, especially with the growing discourse from some countries to significantly reduce their funding. Hopefully, a solution will come soon,” said Ikhsan Raharjo from Al Jazeera.

“This has been an extraordinary experience—we’ve never had this close of an interaction with the Garuda team. During one of the simulations where we were attacked by a militia, the Garuda troops prioritized our safety as journalists, enabling us to continue reporting even during a crisis,” said Irene from CNN Indonesia.

The journalists participated in simulations conducted by the Indonesian Peacekeeping Mission Training Center (PMPP TNI) as part of the preparation for deploying over 1,000 troops to the peacekeeping mission in Congo. The simulation represented the final stage before deployment, presenting the complex realities of peacekeeping, including armed conflict, abductions, negotiations, hostage situations, and more. The journalists, through this boot camp, became part of these simulations and experienced them firsthand.

As a result of the boot camp, participants are expected to produce coverage that increases the visibility of Indonesia’s contribution to global peace while applying conflict-sensitive journalism principles and upholding ethical standards.

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