High-level panel discussions featuring media leaders, researchers, policymakers, and business actors, who unpack challenges and solutions for local media sustainabil

This session will present the latest media market research in Indonesia, conducted by International Media Support (IMS) in collaboration with Universitas Multimedia Nusantara (UMN). The study provides fresh insights into how the Indonesian media market is evolving and where the future growth opportunities lie for local outlets.

This session also situates the conversation within IMS’s long-term media sustainability strategy, which emphasizes that mobilizing local capital is a critical foundation for resilient and independent local media. Unlocking local capital—whether through fairer access to advertising, stronger ties with the private sector, or innovative revenue partnerships with platforms—can help local outlets secure financial stability, invest in digital transformation, and continue serving communities with credible journalism.

The discussion will unpack why many local media still miss out on capital flows despite Indonesia’s vast business and advertising market. By connecting research evidence with practical business perspectives and entrepreneurial experiences, this session aims to identify concrete pathways for building a stronger, fairer, and more sustainable media ecosystem in Indonesia.

• Ignatius Haryanto (Universitas Multimedia Nusantara Researcher) – Research presentation
• Vidya Candra Apriawan (Partner Client Leadership WPP Media/Wavemaker) – Media Advertising Agency perspective
• Yos Kusuma (News Partnerships Lead, Google Indonesia) – Platform policies & publisher opportunities
• Venue: Ballroom Aryaduta Hotel

Southeast Asia’s digital information ecosystem is expanding rapidly, but also facing rising challenges—from disinformation and eroding media trust to financial pressures on independent outlets. Local media must now compete with influencers, state-backed narratives, and algorithm-driven content flows that distort public debate.

BBC Media Action research (2024–2025) offers new insights from Indonesia: people trust domestic voices—citizens, religious leaders, and local experts—more than foreign sources, while Liputan6 remains the most trusted news program. Yet disinformation on sensitive issues like religion, politics, and public health continues to spread, amplified by both online virality and offline networks.

This session connects research evidence with practice, exploring how local media in Indonesia and across Southeast Asia can rebuild trust, counter disinformation, and achieve sustainability in a fast-changing digital landscape.

Moderator: Arsito Hidayatullah, Executive Editor Suara.com Speakers:

• Rosiana Eko (BBC Media Action Indonesia Researcher) - Presenting findings from research (2024–2025)
• Paco Pangalangan (IMS Disinformation Advisor) - Provide comparative insights from Southeast Asia
• Representative of Myanmar Media Council* - Share perspectives on digital rights, freedom of expression, and civil society advocacy
• Venue: Ballroom Aryaduta Hotel

As global tech giants dominate the flow of news and content, local media face the challenge of staying visible and relevant. Their strength lies in being hyperlocal—covering the issues, people, and stories that matter most to their communities. This session highlights how hyperlocal outlets build trust through authentic connections, foster strong community engagement, and create sustainable business models rooted in local partnerships.

This session showcases the unique value of hyperlocal journalism. Leaders of successful local outlets will share how their platforms strengthen community engagement, amplify local voices, and fill gaps left by national media.

Host: Asep Saefullah, Local Media Community Manager Speakers:

• Eva Danayanti (IMS)
• Zuhri Muhammad (BatamNews)
• Ibrahim (KaltimToday)
• Arif Budianto (Ayobandung.id)
• Adhi Santoso (Terkini.id)
• Siti Latifah (Kutub)