Patsy Widakuswara is the White House bureau chief for Voice of America (VOA). Ever since her initial arrest, she has emerged as a national advocate for press freedom in the United States. Widakuswara is originally from Indonesia. She came of age under a regime that had instituted extreme restrictions on the media and press freedom. This background has not only informed her career, but inspired her to strengthen and protect her fight against attacks on journalism in the United States.
Widakuswara’s career in journalism started in the 1980s at a student radio station in Jakarta. There, she experienced firsthand the essential need for free expression. Her experiences working as a fixer for foreign journalists covering mass student protests provided her with a firsthand understanding of the impacts of authoritarian regimes. These early experiences inspired her engagement with journalism. As a result, she earned a master’s degree at Goldsmiths, University of London, through a scholarship provided by the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office.
Once as Widakuswara assumed bureau chief duties at VOA, she again fought for press freedoms. Now, she was facing a different challenge. Former President Donald Trump’s first move was to try to obliterate the VOA with an executive order. To realize those dreams, Widakuswara immediately leapt into action, assembling a quick-hitting team. They then sued the Trump administration, arguing that the executive order violates longstanding principles of press freedom, the First Amendment, and statutes to protect against executive overreach.
Her commitment and tireless advocacy for this cause has already paved the way for some clear early victories. A judge acted quickly to temporary enjoin the Trump administration and force funding back to VOA. This decision, occurring only a day after suits were filed, showed the need for such urgency. These recent developments only underscore the significance of her organizing efforts on behalf of VOA. They shape the larger ecosystem of journalism in America.
Widakuswara’s fight, therefore, becomes even more urgent due to her profound loyalty to her 47 fellow broadcasters at VOA. As of today, they are all depending on their J-1 journalist visas. These men and women would be at risk of deportation to nations where they may be imprisoned for their reporting. Widakuswara’s determination comes from a conviction that no opportunity to make a difference, however uncertain the outcome, is better than doing nothing at all.
“I never in a million years thought I would have to fight for freedom of the press in the United States of America. And yet here we are.” – Patsy Widakuswara
It’s important, especially as journalism comes under greater attack every day, that people and institutions fight back. Her call to action echoes throughout her statements as she encourages others to join her in fighting back against encroachments on press freedoms.
“As journalism is under attack, it feels empowering to fight back. We need more people to resist and fight back.” – Patsy Widakuswara
Her fight is not only personal, but profoundly influenced by her life experience. She’d grown up in Indonesia and understood well the importance of press freedom. Today, she remains wary of the risks of letting down one’s guard about it here in the U.S.
“Even if it’s just like a 5% chance or even a 1% chance, that’s better than a 0% chance, which is what happens if we do nothing.” – Patsy Widakuswara
Widakuswara’s resolve is an example of her dedication to the pursuit of journalism as a tool for uncovering truth and holding the powerful accountable. Her own experiences have informed her perspective on what is truly at risk when press freedoms come under attack.
“Could the US backslide that far? Not if enough people resist, and that’s why I’m fighting back.” – Patsy Widakuswara