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.

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.

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