Bridging Borders: Rully Kurniawan’s Impact on Journalism and Environmental Advocacy

Rully Kurniawan, Chief of the International Desk, senior correspondent, and executive producer at CNN Indonesia, stands out as a journalist committed not only to delivering impactful stories but also to driving real change. His career embodies a blend of rigorous journalism and a deep commitment to environmental advocacy, bridging the gap between Indonesia and Australia to address shared challenges.

Rully’s career reached new heights when he participated in the Australia Awards Short Course on Foreign Policy: Strategic Equilibrium in the Indo-Pacific in October 2023, delivered by Griffith University. Motivated by his passion for understanding global issues and expanding his journalistic prowess, Rully saw this opportunity to strengthen his knowledge and build networks that could further enhance his work.

“I wanted to deepen my expertise, particularly in areas like environmental sustainability and international policy, and this Short Course was the perfect opportunity,” Rully shared.

The program took him to Canberra, Sydney, and Brisbane, where he engaged with policy experts, scholars, and government officials, gaining a more nuanced understanding of the region’s complex political and environmental landscape.

One of the most significant outcomes was meeting key figures in Indonesia’s climate change and renewable energy sector, facilitated by Professor Caitlyn from Griffith University. This connection introduced him to leading advocates, including Rachmat Witoelar and Erna Witoelar from the Kehati Foundation, Doddy Sukardi from the Mitra Hijau Foundation, and Ibu Amanda Katili from the Climate Reality Project Indonesia.

“At the post-course workshop, I was introduced to these influential figures who were impressed by the mission of WE The Future Academy and agreed to join us as mentors,” Rully said, referring to the NGO he co-founded that focuses on educating young people about sustainability and climate change. These connections became pivotal for both his journalism and his environmental advocacy work.

Bringing Depth to Journalism

The Australia Awards Short Course provided Rully with invaluable insights that reshaped how he approached his work at CNN Indonesia.

“As journalists, we often touch on global topics superficially due to the fast-paced nature of the news cycle. This program allowed me to dive deeper into the intricacies of international policies and environmental challenges,” Rully explained.

Armed with this deeper understanding, Rully has begun working on a comparative analysis of renewable energy policies between Indonesia and Australia. His project, which focuses on solar and wind energy systems, highlights actionable insights that could benefit Indonesia’s renewable energy initiatives. He explores Indonesia’s Cirata Floating Solar Power Plant in Purwakarta—the largest in Southeast Asia—and the Kubu Solar Power Plant in Bali, drawing comparisons with Australia’s advanced energy systems.

“Australia’s energy ecosystem is highly developed, especially solar and wind energy. Through the Short Course, I gained first-hand knowledge of these systems and was able to compare them with Indonesia’s efforts," Rully said. Conversations with experts, including a former Queensland Vice Premier, enriched his understanding and informed his reporting.

The experience also reinforced Rully’s belief in the collaborative power of journalism.  

“Journalism is not just about reporting facts but also about fostering partnerships that can help solve shared challenges. The Short Course showed me the value of looking at issues from multiple perspectives and working alongside experts in different fields,” he reflected.

Engaging in Environmental Advocacy: WE The Future Academy

Rully’s dedication to sustainability did not stop at journalism. Inspired by his experiences, he founded WE The Future Academy this year with fellow journalist Yogi Tujuliarto. The organisation’s mission is to empower schoolchildren to understand the impact of climate change and equip them with the knowledge and skills to contribute to a more sustainable future.

“As journalists, we broadcast stories, but sometimes that is not enough to create the desired impact. WE The Future Academy was born out of a wish to go beyond storytelling and engage directly with the community,” Rully explained.

The NGO’s educational programs cover various aspects of sustainability, including food, water, and energy. These programs combine theoretical knowledge with practical exercises that encourage creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving. Since its launch, WE The Future Academy has reached numerous schools across Greater Jakarta area, with plans to expand its reach.

“We’ve received an overwhelmingly positive response from schools, who are eager to integrate climate education into their curricula,” Rully said. The involvement of mentors like Rachmat and Erna Witoelar further legitimised the Academy’s work, providing it with credibility and accelerating its growth.

The networks Rully built through the Australia Awards Short Course were instrumental in his journey with WE The Future Academy. “Thanks to the connections I made, we’ve partnered with some of the leading figures in climate change and renewable energy in Indonesia,” he said. The program’s emphasis on collaboration opened doors that were previously beyond reach, enabling the NGO to forge partnerships that bolstered its educational initiatives.

“Their involvement gave WE The Future Academy visibility we hadn’t anticipated. These connections validated our mission and allowed us to grow our impact,” Rully noted.

Overcoming Challenges and Reaching New Heights

Despite his numerous accomplishments, Rully acknowledged that balancing his professional and personal commitments has not been easy. “Time management is one of my biggest challenges,” he admitted. With roles as senior journalist, advisor at the WE The Future Academy, and chairman of the Fitria Education Foundation, Rully’s schedule demands careful planning.

“There are so many responsibilities to juggle, but I’ve learned to prioritise tasks and maintain a consistent work ethic,” he said.

His ability to manage these commitments was recognised in August 2024, when he received the prestigious Elizabeth O'Neill Journalism Award from the Australian Government. Presented by Foreign Minister Penny Wong, the Award honoured Rully’s contributions to promoting sustainability and raising awareness about climate change through journalism.

 “Receiving the Elizabeth O'Neill Award was an incredible honour. It validated the work I’ve been doing and reinforced the importance of journalism in addressing global issues like climate change,” Rully said.

Despite the recognition, Rully remains humble, seeing it as an opportunity to mentor the next generation of journalists. “My time for awards is over. Now, it’s about guiding others so they can achieve even greater success,” he said.

Looking Ahead

Rully’s future ambitions remain deeply rooted in sustainability and journalism. He plans to continue expanding WE The Future Academy’s programs beyond Greater Jakarta, aiming to make sustainability education accessible to students throughout Indonesia.

Additionally, he is considering pursuing further studies in Australia. “After my experience with the Australia Awards Short Course, I’ve been inspired to continue learning. The support I’ve received from Griffith University and the Australia Awards in Indonesia has been incredible,” he noted.

Rully’s journey from a senior correspondent at CNN Indonesia to an environmental advocate underscores the transformative power of education and international collaboration. The Australia Awards Short Course provided him with knowledge and a network that continues to fuel his work.

“The friendships and professional connections I made during the course have been invaluable. Moving forward, I’m committed to leveraging these resources to make a positive impact, both in journalism and environmental advocacy,” Rully concluded.