Indonesia’s RRI Wins Big at Prestigious ABU Prizes 2025

KBRN, Jakarta: Radio Republik Indonesia (RRI) once again brought pride to the nation by earning international recognition at the ABU Prizes 2025, held in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, on Sunday, September 14.

A standout entry from RRI Purwokerto titled Water Ambulance, A Glimpse Into The Battle Kampung Laut Been Through won the Radio News Reporting category, surpassing strong contenders from ABC Australia, CMG-CNR China, and IRIB Islamic Republic of Iran.

The piece tells the compelling story of Kampung Laut residents and their struggle to access healthcare, relying on water ambulances as a lifeline in the region’s remote waterways. Judges praised the work for its journalistic value and powerful storytelling, capturing the real-life challenges faced by communities in Indonesia’s isolated areas.

RRI Malang also earned distinction with its production Never Ending Hugs: A Journey of Supporting Autistic Children, which received a Special Commendation in the Radio/Audio ABU Perspective Awards category.

This work amplifies the voices of families and children with autism, highlighting the community’s efforts to build a more inclusive environment. Two additional RRI productions, The Last of Gupung and The Death of a Sumatran Elephant, were named finalists in the Radio Drama and Radio News Reporting categories, respectively.

The ABU Prizes are among the most prestigious broadcasting competitions in the Asia-Pacific region, celebrating excellence in radio, television, and new media. The awards serve as a benchmark for media quality, emphasizing not only informative content but also stories that reflect humanity and cultural diversity.

Mistam, Director of Programming and Production at RRI Public Broadcasting Institution (LPP RRI), expressed pride in the achievement and reaffirmed RRI’s commitment to impactful journalism.

“This award is proof that the dedication and hard work of RRI’s team in voicing critical social issues are being recognized globally,” he said.

With this victory, RRI continues to affirm its role as a public broadcaster that consistently brings stories from Indonesia’s farthest corners to the international stage. ***

Translator: Diffa Sephiawardhani

Editor: Sri Wahyuni