ASKARA - Photojournalist Dwi Pambudo from Rakyat Merdeka has won first place in the photo contest themed "Embracing Sustainable Tourism Through Your Lens" organized by the Confederation of Thai Journalists (CTJ). Dwi Pambudo outshone photojournalists from various member countries of the Confederation of ASEAN Journalists (CAJ) in the 2024 competition.

This announcement was made by the Deputy Secretary General of the Confederation of ASEAN Journalists (CAJ), Dar Edi Yoga, to reporters in Jakarta on Tuesday, June 25.

Recently, the Confederation of Thai Journalists (CTJ) invited journalists and photojournalists from CAJ member countries to participate in the 2024 photo contest with the theme “Embracing Sustainable Tourism Through Your Lens.”

“The Confederation of Thai Journalists (CTJ) firmly believes that sustainable tourism is a way for countries in the region to revitalize the tourism industry while preserving the environment,” said Thepchai Yong from CTJ. He also emphasized the crucial role of photography in supporting sustainable tourism.

He stated that this competition was held because tourism has once again become a key driver of the economies of ASEAN countries post-Covid-19, despite concerns about its environmental impact.

Meanwhile, CAJ President Atal S Depari welcomed the initiative of this photography contest. "Such competitions can strengthen the bonds between journalists from ASEAN countries and enhance understanding of the cultural and natural wealth of each country," he said. Atal also congratulated the winners, selected from 108 entries submitted by participants from various ASEAN member countries.

After receiving the good news, Dwi Pambudo, the Rakyat Merdeka photographer, expressed his gratitude and appreciation to CTJ and CAJ for the information and opportunity to participate in this photojournalism competition. "I also congratulate the organizers and other winners who have produced enthusiastic photojournalism works and collaborated for the advancement of tourism in Indonesia and ASEAN," said Dwi Pambudo on Tuesday, June 25.

"I hope the CTJ photo contest continues," concluded Dwi Pambudo, who has now won the CAJ photo contest twice.

Below are the names of the winners announced by the contest committee on Monday, June 24.

**First Prize (US$1,000)**
- Dwi Pambudo, Indonesia
  - Photo: "Nepal Van Java" in Butuh Village, Magelang Regency, Central Java

**Second Prize (US$700)**
- Apinan Buahapakdee, Thailand
  - Photo: Reconstruction of the way of life of a mahout hunting wild elephants in Surin Province

**Third Prize (US$500)**
- Arie Basuki, Indonesia
  - Photo: Hindu Balinese residents at Ulun Danu Beratan Temple, Bali Island

**Consolation Prizes (US$200 each)**
- Rhoy Cobilla, Philippines
  - Photo: Adventurers diving in the waters of Polipol Island, Bani, Pangasinan
- Raniel Jose M Castaneda, Philippines
  - Photo: Banaue Rice Terraces