Rano Karno Invites Journalists to Chronicle Jakarta's Transformation Towards 5th Centenary
Jakarta Deputy Governor Rano Karno has invited members of the press to produce journalistic works documenting Jakarta’s transformation ahead of the city’s five-century commemoration in 2027. He assessed the momentum as an opportunity to present works that are not only informative but also beneficial to the public.
Rano stated that the press plays a vital role as a pillar of democracy and a partner in overseeing Jakarta’s development. ‘The press has an important role in documenting history while overseeing Jakarta’s future development,’ Rano said in a statement on Thursday (16/7/2026).
Rano also expressed appreciation for Bank Jakarta’s support for the 2026 Mohammad Hoesni Thamrin (MHT) Journalism Award. According to Rano, collaboration between the regional government, the business sector, and the press can strengthen public literacy while enlivening the momentum of Jakarta’s five centuries.
Rano affirmed that the DKI Jakarta Provincial Government supports the MHT Journalism Award, which for more than five decades has recognised journalistic works about Jakarta.
Rano reminded that registration for the 2026 MHT Journalism Award remains open until 31 July 2026. He encouraged journalists to seize the opportunity by submitting their best work. ‘There is still time until 31 July 2026 to submit your best work. Make this momentum towards Jakarta’s five centuries an inspiration to produce quality journalism that benefits the community,’ Rano said.
According to Rano, the ‘Welcoming 5 Centuries of Jakarta’ category is expected to provide a space for journalists to document the journey, transformation, and hopes for Jakarta. Meanwhile, the ‘Bank Jakarta Literacy’ category aims to increase public understanding of Bank Jakarta’s transformation and contribution to the regional economy.
PWI Jaya Chairman Kesit Budi Handoyo said the DKI Jakarta Provincial Government’s support serves as motivation to continuously improve the quality of the MHT Journalism Award. Kesit stated that the event is not only a competition but also a form of appreciation for journalists who produce quality work while recording Jakarta’s development journey.