Knight Fellow Wins Award for Pioneering News Network in Indonesia

By: Sonja Matanovic | 03/29/2013

Knight Fellow Harry Surjadi created RuaiSMS, a citizen journalist-based communication network that ensures rural areas of Indonesia are covered by mainstream media.

Knight Fellow Harry Surjadi created RuaiSMS, a citizen journalist-based communication network that ensures rural areas of Indonesia are covered by mainstream media.

For his work as a Knight International Journalism Fellow, Harry Surjadi has won the 2013 Communications for Social Change Award. He developed a groundbreaking news channel in West Kalimantan, Indonesia, using mobile and FrontlineSMS texting. He also trained hundreds of indigenous citizens to be reporters for this new platform.

The award is given by Australia's Centre for Communication and Social Change at the University of Queensland School of Journalism and Communication to recognize professionals and organizations that use communications to advance social, economic and technological development.

Read more here.

Latest News

Creators Johnny Harris and Iz Harris to Receive 2026 ICFJ Founders Award

The International Center for Journalists (ICFJ) today announced Johnny and Iz Harris, co-founders of the creator-led media company Newpress, as recipients of the 2026 ICFJ Founders Award.

Media Pioneer Patricia Mercado Sánchez Wins 2026 ICFJ News Innovation Award

The International Center for Journalists (ICFJ) today announced Patricia Mercado Sánchez, founder and CEO of Conexión Migrante, as the recipient of its 2026 ICFJ News Innovation Award. Mercado Sánchez leads a small team of journalists that has grown Conexión Migrante into a trusted, multi-platform lifeline for Latin American migrants in the U.S.

The European Journalism Centre Joins Plus Alliance as Constituent Member

The European Journalism Centre (EJC) is joining Code for Africa, ICFJ and PROTO as a constituent member of our expanding joint initiative, now known as the Plus alliance (formerly ICFJ+).