2. Co-opting Artificial Intelligence for the Public Good: Challenges and Opportunities for Investigative Journalists in Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines

This study delves into the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in investigative journalism, focusing on the experiences of journalists in Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines. It explores how AI tools are being utilized to streamline tasks such as data analysis, transcription, and verification, thereby enhancing the efficiency and impact of investigative reporting. The research identifies three distinct approaches to AI adoption: integral, problem-precise, and task-specific, highlighting the varying degrees of integration within newsrooms. It also examines the factors influencing AI adoption, including resource limitations, media sustainability, and the ethical implications of AI use. The study concludes that while AI presents significant opportunities for investigative journalism, its adoption is still in its early stages in Southeast Asia, with journalists cautiously optimistic about its potential to support their work. The findings underscore the need for a strategic approach to AI adoption, including the development of AI ethics guidelines and training programs to equip journalists with the necessary skills.