The Alliance of Independent Journalists (AJI) and UNICEF Indonesia Announce 2025 Outstanding Journalism on Children Award Winners

Jakarta, 18 September 2025 – The Alliance of Independent Journalists (AJI) Indonesia, together with UNICEF Indonesia, announced the winners of the 2025 Award for Outstanding Journalism on Children, with the theme of “Children’s Rights, the Climate Crisis and Water Security”. This year’s topic emphasizes that the climate crisis is not merely an environmental issue, but a direct threat to children’s rights, including their right to health, nutrition, water and sanitation, education and protection.

The AJI–UNICEF awards have been ongoing for 10 years, launched in 2015 to foster and acknowledge committed journalists for covering issues affecting children in an ethical and accurate manner and with integrity.

Over 300 entries across print, multimedia/online, radio and television categories were received. Twenty journalists were shortlisted as nominees, and seven journalists were named as winners and special mentions at a virtual award ceremony.

Nany Afrida, Chairperson of AJI Indonesia, highlighted the vital role of the media in providing in-depth reporting that raises public awareness of the realities children face. “The media has the power to shape public opinion and strengthen collective action in addressing the climate crisis,” she said. “Children are the most affected group, from losing safe spaces to play, being forced to relocate, to dropping out of school.”

Iman Morooka, Chief of Communication at UNICEF Indonesia, stated that the award is an opportunity to celebrate journalism that is accurate, empathetic and committed to the best interests of children.

“Every journalistic work that reflects the challenges children face, and highlights efforts to improve their lives, brings us closer to a world where children’s rights are fulfilled. Children are the most vulnerable in the climate crisis, yet their voices are often unheard. Through the media, children’s voices can be amplified and solutions and necessary actions promoted,” she said.

All submissions went through a rigorous selection process from June to August 2025. An independent jury panel consisted of representatives from AJI, media practitioners, partners from civil society and the government, and UNICEF.

Winners of the Award for Outstanding Journalism on Children

Television Category

• Main Winner: Ramadhan Yahya (Narasi TV) Gizi Buruk di Asmat Papua: Minum Air Rawa, Ketagihan Mi Instan, Sagu Mulai Terpinggirkan (Malnutrition in Asmat, Papua: Swamp Water, Instant Noodles, and Forgotten Sago)
• Special Mention: Adinda Ramadhaning Kusumo and tim (Kompas TV) Darurat Anak Terdampak Krisis Iklim (The Climate Crisis and the Child Emergency)

Print Category:

Main category winner: Lani Diana (Tempo Magazine) Ari-ari Bayi Hingga ke Bali (The Trafficking of Infants in Bali)

Radio Category:

• Main category winner Ardi (RRI Merauke) Sirna Harapanku (Hope Lost)
• Special Mention: Ninik Yuniati (KBR Media) Dikepung Racun Pestisida (3 Bagian) (Surrounded by Toxic Pesticides: A Three-Part Report)

Multimedia/Online Category

• Main category winner: Dian Amalia Ariani (Prohealth.id) Anak di Kursi Terdakwa: Ketika Negara Gagal Melindungi, Tapi Cepat Menghukum (Children in the Defendant’s Seat: A Nation Quick to Punish, Slow to Protect)
• Special Mention: Derri Nugraha (konsentris.id) Laju Krisis Iklim dan Kandasnya Sekolah Anak-anak Pesisir (Climate Crisis and the Vanishing Classrooms of Coastal Children)

All nominated and winning entries will be compiled in an electronic book titled “From the Climate Crisis to Violence Against Children,” which will be available on the websites of both AJI Indonesia and UNICEF Indonesia.