Floresa.co – Floresa, an independent news outlet based in Flores, East Nusa Tenggara Province, has been named a longlisted candidate for the 2026 One World Media Awards, an international journalism prize that recognises outstanding reporting from the Global South.
Floresa was selected in the Press Freedom Award category following a collaborative investigative project with Forbidden Stories, a France‑based international investigative journalism network known for continuing the work of journalists who have been silenced, threatened, or killed.
The annual awards since 1998, organised by One World Media, a London‑based organisation, celebrate journalism and documentary filmmaking that give voice to under‑reported communities, expose injustice, and hold power to account—often in challenging or high‑risk environments.
Investigating ‘Green’ Energy and Press Freedom
Floresa’s nomination stems from a joint investigative series titled Island: Behind Indonesia’s Geothermal Strategy.
The reporting examined the expansion of geothermal energy projects on the island of Flores and their impacts on Indigenous communities, local ecosystems, and press freedom.
While geothermal energy is widely promoted by the Indonesian government as part of its renewable energy transition, the investigation found that the projects have sparked conflict on the ground.
Indigenous lands and livelihoods were affected, while journalists covering these issues faced intimidation, physical violence, and coordinated disinformation campaigns aimed at discrediting independent media.
The series also documented cases in which Floresa journalist was assaulted during reporting in geothermal project areas, alongside online harassment targeting media outlets critical of government-backed energy development.
The investigation forms part of Forbidden Stories’ #GreenCrimes project, an international initiative that focuses on environmental crimes linked to climate, energy, and extractive industries.
Two of the investigative articles were later republished by Tempo English, the English-language edition of Indonesia’s leading investigative magazine.
Strong Competition from Across the Global South
According to One World Media, the 2026 awards received 534 submissions from more than 140 countries, across 14 categories, including Current Affairs, Environmental Reporting, News, and Press Freedom.
In the Press Freedom category, Floresa and Forbidden Stories joins a diverse group of media organisations from different regions.
Other longlisted candidates include Project Multatuli, another independent media outlet from Indonesia, as well as Addis Standard (Ethiopia), Arabi Facts Hub, Ayin Network, Contracorriente, Foundation for Investigative Journalism and Social Justice (Nigeria), SIRAJ (Syrian Investigative Reporting for Accountability Journalism), and The Afghan Times.
“With such a high calibre of work, narrowing down the selection in each category was tougher than ever,” One World Media stated in its announcement.
The awards process will continue with the release of a shortlist on 6 May, selecting three finalists per category. Winners will be announced at a ceremony in London on 17 June.
Recognition Amid Pressure on Independent Media
For Herry Kabut, Editor‑in‑Chief of Floresa, the recognition comes at a time when independent journalism in Indonesia is facing increasing pressure.
“Floresa andForbidden Stories are still at the longlist stage,” Herry said. “But being among ten selected candidates from hundreds of global entries is already an achievement we are grateful for.”
Herry also appreciated Forbidden Stories which approached Floresa in early 2025 to jointly investigate geothermal development in Flores.
“We learned a great deal during months of collaboration,” he said. “Forbidden Stories also remained in close contact after the publication, particularly about possible pressure or retaliation following the investigation.”
More importantly, Herry noted, the nomination helped elevate local struggles in Flores to international attention.
“These projects involve international financial actors,” he said. “The global public needs to know that, on the ground, so‑called ‘green’ projects can still operate through mechanisms that cause serious harm to local communities. Stories like this deserve space in the global public discourse.”
A Milestone for Regional Journalism
Ryan Dagur, Executive Director of Floresa, described the nomination as the outlet’s first participation in an international journalism award since its founding in 2014.
He said Floresa views the recognition as support for its long‑standing commitment to independent journalism.
“We understand this recognition as encouragement for a journalistic model focused on serving the public interest,” Ryan said.
“That mandate is not always easy to uphold, especially when reporting challenges powerful political and economic interests.”
Based far from Indonesia’s media hubs in Jakarta, Floresa focuses on issues affecting communities in East Nusa Tenggara—one of the country’s least-covered regions.
“We believe regional media play a vital role,” Ryan said. “Without them, many struggles in peripheral areas would remain invisible, beyond the attention of the public and those in power.”