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Ika Krismantari: Bridging Science Research and Journalism
Journalist and Australia Awards scholar Ika Krismantari is on a mission to ensure the long-term viability of Indonesian journalism by making research findings accessible to everyone. While pursuing her masters degree in Australia and serving as Chief Editor and Content Director at The Conversation Indonesia, she worked tirelessly towards this goal. “Now, I’m no longer at The Conversation Indonesia. I’m focusing on my PhD first,” Ika shared during a recent interview amidst her busy days as a new student.
Since 15 July, Ika has been returning to Monash University, embarking on her doctoral journey. Her research focuses on long-term strategies for media companies in Indonesia. During her previous studies at Monash, where she earned a double degree program in Journalism and International Relations from 2012-2014, she compared business models between Indonesian and Australian alternative media. Her thesis, which won the Best Journalism Masters Thesis award in 2014, explored this topic.
This time, she aims to delve deeper, focusing on small media with hopes of fostering their growth. “The media is a pillar of democracy, including in Indonesia. Media sustainability is crucial. I hope my work can help the media survive and support Indonesian social politics,” Ika explained.
With 20 years of journalism experience, Ika understands the disruption facing Indonesian media. Despite the rise of social media, there remains a lack of public understanding that high-quality journalism requires financial investment. In contrast, Australians are more willing to pay or donate for high-quality news. Australia also has infrastructure that supports a more balanced media environment. “In Australia, a kind of public fund for the media exists. They really provide support for it,” Ika noted.
After completing her masters degree, Ika returned to Indonesia and rejoined The Jakarta Post before moving to The Conversation Indonesia. She spent 12 years at The Post as a reporter and deputy editor. Her research on Crikey, New Matilda, and The Conversation Australia informed her strategies when she became Chief Editor and Content Director at The Conversation. “Some strategies worked, some didn't, but I learned that running a media organisation is not easy,” Ika reflected.
Innovative Media Approaches
Media that act as science communicators and engage in community engagement are crucial. The Conversation Australia exemplifies this approach.
“The media must translate research issues and solutions so the public can understand them. I hope people can absorb the knowledge, have choices when facing challenges, and understand how issues develop,” Ika explained.
Research results communicated through popular writing can also aid policymakers. For example, studies on the harmful effects of sugary drinks on children, written in simple language, can inform policy decisions.
“I’m grateful for the opportunity to help researchers communicate their work to a wider audience. Many publish in little-known journals, but at The Conversation, they can reach the public and significantly increase their impact,” Ika said.
Research published in The Conversation Indonesia focuses on current issues relevant to the public. Scholars, research institutions, and universities are involved in these publications, promoting community engagement. However, alternative media in Indonesia, supported by donations, is still in development despite its essential role.
The Vision
To celebrate National Science Week, Ika urges academics and researchers to make their discoveries more accessible to the public. She hopes science communication will mainstream science and facilitate its dissemination throughout society. “This is a task for all media, especially in Indonesia, not just researchers or academics,” she emphasised.
Ika also hopes for closer diplomatic relations between Indonesia and Australia, which have been ongoing for 75 years. The Australia Awards Scholarships program she received for her masters and now her doctoral studies is part of this relationship. It is a cultural and learning experience exchange. Ika highlighted the importance of practical experience in journalism education in Australia, which is slowly being adopted in Indonesia, as seen during her tenure as a part-time lecturer at Universitas Media Nusantara in 2017.
In her PhD program, Ika studies in two departments: business and journalism. This interdisciplinary approach could serve as a model for Indonesian universities.
“My current supervisor is from the business school, but I am still involving my previous supervisor from my masters program because the theme is media business models. It’s interdisciplinary,” Ika concluded.
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