Data Journalism: Finding Stories in Numbers in Indonesia and India

Surakarta/New Delhi – In today’s fast-paced information era, data has become one of the most powerful tools in journalism. From revealing government spending to uncovering public health trends, numbers now shape narratives and deepen public understanding. In Indonesia and India—two of Asia’s largest and most dynamic democracies—data journalism is transforming how stories are discovered, analyzed, and shared with the public.

The Rise of Data-Driven Newsrooms

The shift toward data journalism marks a significant evolution from traditional reporting. Instead of relying solely on quotes, events, and anecdotes, journalists now mine public records, analyze datasets, and visualize complex information to uncover deeper truths.

In Indonesia, major media outlets have begun building specialized data teams to complement their reporting. These teams work with raw data from government portals, election commissions, and open data platforms, turning them into visual stories and interactive features. “Data helps us see patterns that words alone cannot explain,” said an investigative journalist from Jakarta. “It allows us to show, not just tell.”

Similarly, Indian newsrooms are embracing data journalism as a core part of their storytelling strategy. From election analysis to air quality tracking, journalists are digging into massive datasets to explain national issues with greater clarity. The explosive growth of government digital portals and the increasing availability of open data have empowered reporters to examine policies, budgets, and social issues with unprecedented depth.

Telling Human Stories Through Numbers

Despite its reliance on statistics, data journalism is not about numbers alone. It is about translating data into stories that affect real lives. For example, in Indonesia, journalists have used demographic data to reveal disparities in access to education across provinces. Visualizations showing dropout rates and school funding gaps have sparked public debate and pressured local governments to act.

In India, journalists have used agricultural data to expose patterns in farmer distress and rural debt. By mapping loan default rates and comparing them to suicide statistics, they have highlighted the human cost behind financial figures. “Data journalism allows us to connect the dots between policy and people,” explained a data reporter in New Delhi. “It transforms statistics into stories that demand attention.”

Challenges in Both Democracies

Yet, the journey toward data-driven reporting is not without obstacles. One of the biggest challenges in both Indonesia and India is data accessibility. Although open data initiatives exist, not all government agencies release information in usable formats. Datasets are often incomplete, outdated, or scattered across multiple platforms, requiring significant cleaning and verification before they can be analyzed.

Data literacy is another hurdle. Journalists must not only know how to interpret statistics but also how to communicate them clearly without oversimplification. Many newsrooms still struggle with limited training and resources for data analysis and visualization.

Furthermore, misinformation can spread when data is misinterpreted or taken out of context. Both countries have witnessed viral false claims based on manipulated statistics, underscoring the need for rigorous verification and responsible storytelling.

Innovation and Collaboration

Despite these challenges, innovation is driving progress. In Indonesia, collaborations between journalists and civic tech communities are producing new tools for data exploration. Projects that visualize election results, budget allocations, or disaster response timelines are helping citizens understand complex issues at a glance.

In India, data journalism has become central to election coverage, with interactive dashboards showing real-time results, voter turnout trends, and constituency demographics. Media organizations are also collaborating with academic institutions and non-profit data labs to strengthen their analytical capacity.

Moreover, multimedia storytelling enhances data journalism’s impact. Charts, maps, animations, and interactive infographics turn raw numbers into compelling narratives. Readers can now explore data themselves, deepening engagement and trust in the reporting.

Looking Ahead: A Data-Driven Future

As Indonesia and India continue to digitize their governance and expand public access to information, the potential for data journalism will only grow. Future reporting may involve not just static datasets but real-time streams from sensors, satellites, and citizen-generated platforms.

In a world overwhelmed by information, the ability to find meaning in numbers is increasingly essential. Data journalism does more than present facts—it reveals hidden patterns, exposes inequalities, and holds power accountable.

For both Indonesia and India, the rise of data-driven storytelling signals a new chapter in journalism—one where numbers speak, and the stories they tell shape the future of democracy.

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A news by © Happy Annisa Nurhapsari (2025)