'Making Changes' was the unofficial theme of the 2009 training of trainers in Jakarta on 4 - 6 August. At the opening session, PPMN Program Manager Eni Mulia explained that PPMN trainers must be able to provide training that will ultimately bring about positive changes to the individuals and the stations being trained. Eni added that PPMN trainers also work in a unique training environment, not least because the training location could be anywhere, from a city to a remote village with limited information facilities, transport and personnel. That is why PPMN trainers must be ready to work in all kinds of training locations, each unique in its own way.

This training of trainers was slightly different from those in the past. Discussion and sharing among the participants was felt to be an appropriate method, given the unique nature of the PMMN training. Led by trainer Radot Gurning and co-trainer Shinta Ardany, ten trainers and candidate trainers from across the country shared their experiences. Radot and Shinta shared their many and varied experiences, too. Of training people who could barely read and write, and who had never even laid eyes on computer. But today, those same people have pioneered successful radio stations that have brought change to the lives of the local people. One example is the Pikon Ane radio crew in Yahukimo, who were recruited and trained when the station was set up two years ago. Thanks to information about health aired by the station, local villagers are now building toilets and boiling their drinking water. Or the Gogali crew, who, after doing training with PPMN, helped to mitigate the age-old, local problems of cattle rustling and elopement,

The training also included materials designed to build the capacity of trainers in producing radio programs by exploring local potentials, broadcasting techniques, managing the newsroom, and producing KBR68H-style news bulletins. Journalist ethics and safety were discussed, too. All with the aim of building the trainers' self confidence and their ability to motivate in order to bring about positive change. (Shinta)