TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Agence France-Presse Foundation has announced Stefanus Teguh Edi Pramono as the winner of the AFP Kate Webb Prize for his reports on the Syrian confict and the Jakarta drug trade. Pramono is currently working for Tempo, a prominent media group known for its daring report during the Soeharto's dicatatorship era.
"I am not a brave person, I was often in a cold sweat when I was in Syria and in west Jakarta [for the drugs story], but it is just something that I have to do," Stefanus said from Jakarta.
Despite having no knowledge of Arabic, Pramono has managed to produce exceptional articles and photos during his visit to Syria last year. Meanwhile, in 2012, Pramono and one of his colleague bravely infiltrate Kampung Ambon, an infamous district known for its drug trade activities, and managed to uncover Jakarta narcotics trade ring. In his seven years of journalism career at Tempo Group, he also exposed many corrupt politicians.
"He is one of our best journalists. He is a quiet person and a great observer... I think he deserves the award," said Hermien Y. Kleden, an executive editor at Tempo's English magazine.
Gilles Campion, AFP's Asia-Pacific Regional Director, acknowledged Pramono for his bravery and stated that "Pram is a young journalist who is clearly determined to uncover important stories, even if it means putting himself at risk of injury or attack."
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