MH Thamrin Journalism Competition 2026 Adds Financial Literacy Category

The real sector will become increasingly cautious about business expansion. The Jakarta branch of the Indonesian Journalists Association (PWI Jaya) together with Bank Jakarta is introducing a Special Financial Literacy Category by Bank Jakarta in the 2026 Mohammad Hoesni Thamrin (MHT) Journalism Competition. PWI Jaya Chairman Kesit B. Handoyo stated that this collaboration represents a form of synergy between the press and the banking sector in strengthening public financial literacy. “The press has an important role in delivering accurate, educational and beneficial information to the public. Through this special category, we hope to see journalistic works that are not only of high quality but also capable of providing a broader understanding of the banking sector’s contribution to economic development and public welfare,” said Kesit through a statement on Wednesday (10/6). He explained that participants can raise various issues, from service innovation and digital transformation to community empowerment programmes and Bank Jakarta’s contribution to supporting economic growth and strengthening micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs). Meanwhile, Bank Jakarta President Director Agus H. Widodo explained that the media has a strategic role in building public understanding of inclusive and sustainable financial services. “Through this competition, we hope various works will emerge that can objectively depict Bank Jakarta’s innovations, programmes and contributions to the community and regional economic development,” he said. Similarly, Bank Jakarta Corporate Secretary Arie Rinaldi hoped this special category could motivate journalists to produce informative, educational and inspiring works. “Through accurate and balanced journalistic work, we hope the spirit of education can make a real impact in improving public financial literacy,” said Arie. The Bank Jakarta Financial Literacy Special Category is open to mass media journalists throughout Indonesia. There are three competition categories that can be entered: Feature News, Opinion Articles and Photo Features. Participants can choose three main themes: SME Strengthening, Jakarta Banking Digitalisation and Banking Financial Ecosystems. All entries must include the keyword “Bank Jakarta”. The submission deadline is set for 31 July 2026. The jury will select the five best works in each category before determining the winners. The committee is providing prizes in the form of trophies, certificates and cash totalling IDR 15 million for the first-place winner in each category. The two best nominees in each category will receive certificates and coaching money totalling IDR 5 million. Through this special category, PWI Jaya and Bank Jakarta hope to strengthen public financial literacy, increase public trust in the financial services sector and tighten the synergy between the media and the banking world amidst the era of digital transformation.