Radio Republik Indonesia (RRI)

Interns will be placed with the Voice of Indonesia (VOI), one of the five divisions of RRI. VOI broadcasting consists of 24 hours web streaming and 10 hours of terrestrial (short wave) transmitting. The program has regular broadcasts in English and a number of special programs focusing on regional and environmental issues. VOI also has a slot for the long-forgotten art of radio drama (VOI Sketch) which allows students to script and play out a twenty minute radio play.

Intern Duties

• Proofing and editing English language news programs.
• Reading the news.
• Routine assignment to the field with an RRI reporter (press conferences etc).
• Weekly projects to develop a feature piece for a specific topic or theme.

RRI is a very ‘Indonesian’ placement. As one student said in 2009, ‘you will learn more about Indonesian culture and the government than you will about radio’. The pace of the office is slow, much of the equipment out-dated by Australian standards and Indonesian is the language of the office. Some students have found fault with this environment when, in fact, there is a lot to be learnt from the work culture of RRI. The reporting team is young and dynamic in comparison to senior management, so there is a nice balance. After such a long period under strict state control it is not surprising that a culture of censorship still pervades RRI. Interns may find themselves frustrated by the different news values and lack of any critical angle in news reporting, but this placement is well worth the effort for students wanting a more authentic experience.

Location and Getting There

RRI is a five minute walk from the Monas Busway stop so it is easily accessable from most locations. In the past students have commuted from Benhil or the Kebon Sirih area (the latter within walking distance) with no problems.

Workhours

Monday-Friday, 10am to 4.30pm.

Specific Requirements

Students with extensive radio experience may not find this placement sufficiently challenging. This placement would most likely suit an introductory level radio journalism student.

A laptop helps but is by no means essential. Computers are always available in the office, but they are not the newest or most well-maintained machines. 

Student stories

2009

Larisa Tait is an undergraduate student at Monash University. Her work placement was at Radio Republik Indonesia. Hear her stories.

• Story #1
• Story #2
• Story #3