AJP 2026 Begins, Pertamina Strengthens Collaboration with Mass Media
PT Pertamina (Persero) has officially commenced the 2026 Pertamina Journalistic Appreciation (AJP) series. The company emphasised that the event is no longer viewed merely as an award for press members, but as a platform for sustainable collaboration between Pertamina and the media in conveying information to the public. The launch of AJP 2026 was marked by a Kick Off and Coaching Clinic at the Grha Pertamina Ballroom, Jakarta, on Thursday (2/7/2026). The hybrid event was attended by more than 750 journalists from various Pertamina operational areas and carried the theme ‘Energizing Innovation’.
Vice President of Corporate Communication at Pertamina, Muhammad Baron, stated that AJP continues to transform in line with the dynamics of the media industry and the needs of public communication. According to him, Pertamina’s relationship with the media is now built through an increasingly close partnership. “Pertamina’s collaboration with the media is not just an award, not just a prize, but a cooperation, collaboration and engagement between Pertamina and the media that can have a major impact on society,” Baron said.
He explained that the theme ‘Energizing Innovation’ reflects the spirit of embracing change, adapting to challenges, and presenting various solutions that drive sustainability. This spirit is expected to be reflected in the journalistic works submitted for AJP 2026. AJP has continued to evolve since it was first held in 2003 under the name Pertamina Press Award. The programme changed to the Pertamina Journalistic Award in 2009, and this year it officially adopted the name Pertamina Journalistic Appreciation as part of strengthening collaboration with the media.
Baron stated that the partnership built with the media is an important part of delivering accurate information to the public while strengthening public trust in Pertamina. “For us, the relationship with the media is no longer just about sources and the media, but a partnership that delivers accurate information, provides understanding to the public and fosters public trust in Pertamina,” he said. In this year’s event, Pertamina is also strengthening the AJP mechanism, from registration, assessment, judging, to the determination of winners. All stages are designed to uphold the principles of independence, objectivity, professionalism and transparency. AJP 2026 features eight categories divided into two pillars, namely business and non-business. Each pillar includes categories for written works, video works, audio works, and photo essays.