

National Disaster Coverage Training for Indonesian Journalists
Opportunity Overview The U.S. Embassy in Jakarta is funding a national training program to equip at least 150 Indonesian journalists with the skills to report safely and accurately on disasters. The program targets journalists working in high-risk zones like North Sumatra, West Sumatra, and Central Sulawesi, regions hit hard by recent earthquakes, tsunamis, landslides, and volcanic eruptions. The grant covers up to $25,000 for one award, with a minimum of $15,000, and is open to Indonesian non-profits, educational institutions, journalism associations, and civil society organizations. Indonesia sits on the Pacific Ring of Fire and spans more than 17,000 islands, making it one of the most disaster-prone countries on Earth. The archipelago faces frequent earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, tsunamis, floods, and landslides that affect millions and cause billions in economic losses each year. The 2018 Palu earthquake and tsunami in Central Sulawesi killed over 4,000 people, and extreme weather at the end of 2025 triggered massive landslides in North Sumatra and West Sumatra that took hundreds of lives. Despite this constant threat, most local journalists lack formal training in hazardous-environment safety, crisis communication, fact-checking, and coordination with emergency officials. The training will use workshops, field exercises, mentorship, and simulated disaster scenarios to build a cohort of disaster-ready reporters. The goal is that at least 75 trained professionals apply their skills during real disaster events, and at least 30 commit to mentoring colleagues within six months of completing the program. The initiative supports the U.S. foreign policy goal of strengthening regional disaster response and security cooperation in the Indo-Pacific by creating a reliable information environment that governments and humanitarian partners depend on during emergencies. The award recipient will work closely with U.S. Embassy Jakarta, which will consult on program development, approve training locations and content, participate in participant selection, and coordinate U.S. experts from the ECA's U.S. Speaker Program roster. The recipient manages the open call for journalists, selects at least 200 participants, organizes experts and venues, develops training modules, and handles all publicity and social media. This is a cooperative agreement, meaning the embassy stays actively involved throughout the period of performance. Responsibilities - Develop, organize, and implement an open call for journalists and media professionals working in disaster-prone areas - Manage a selection process in collaboration with PAS and other stakeholders - Identify and select at least 200 participants representing a range of media outlets, geographic regions, and experience levels - Source, organize, and manage experts to hold workshops, participate in panel discussions, and engage in mentorship and field practices - Develop, organize, and manage comprehensive training modules covering safety protocols, technical skills, disaster science, ethical reporting, digital tools, fact-checking, interviewing techniques, and coordination with emergency officials - Develop, coordinate, and oversee practical exercises including simulated disaster reporting scenarios, case study analysis, and field exercises - Identify, coordinate, and manage venues for all training activities, including audio, visual, and sound system support - Design and distribute digital and non-digital marketing and promotional materials - Develop a comprehensive social media campaign plan for all activities - Develop a resource library and best practices guide for disaster coverage - Plan to expand public awareness and visibility beyond the program - Provide all design files, photos, and videos of the program - Provide a promotion-ready, U.S. Embassy approved photo album and video series after completion - Maintain regular, transparent communication via email, phone, video conference calls, and face-to-face meetings with the grants officer, grants officer representative, and program officer throughout the period of performance Requirements & Qualifications - Indonesia-based non-profit organizations and non-government organizations (NGO) - Indonesian public and private educational institutions - Indonesian journalism associations and media development organizations - Indonesian civil society organizations with experience in journalism training or disaster preparedness - Applications from organizations with experience in managing journalism training programs, media capacity building, disaster preparedness initiatives, and professional development programs are encouraged - For-profit entities are not eligible to apply Benefits - Award ceiling of $25,000 - Award floor of $15,000 - One award available How to Apply 1. Review the full announcement and confirm your organization meets the eligibility requirements. 2. Prepare your proposal outlining your approach to training modules, participant selection, expert sourcing, and venue management. 3. Click the Apply button below to submit your application.