PPG 2013

PermataBank believes that education is a very crucial factor in creating significant changes toward a better society.

One of PermataBank’s commitments in improving the nation’s education is shown through Permata PhotoJournalist Grant (PPG), the first program dedicated to developing the techniques and talents of Indonesian photojournalists. A photojournalist’s daily task involves creating visual work and reporting to the public all the things that are going on in the world. PPG is expected to provide a learning environment where Indonesian photojournalists are able to hone their skills and create even greater works for the society.

PPG I, held in 2011, received a warm welcome from the media, photojournalists and the public. PermataBank also established a partnership with Erasmus Huis and the Netherlands Embassy in Indonesia; while cooperating with PannaFoto Institute, Leica Store Indonesia, PT. Suburmitra Grafistama, PT. Surya Palacejaya, Bintaro Jaya Xchange Mall, mentors, guest mentors, editors in-chief, and photo editors from various participating media.

Great support also came from individuals who care about the development of photojournalism in Indonesia, such as Sasa Kralj (an independent photojournalist, Croatia) and Kadir van Lohuizen (co-founder of NOOR Photo Agency and Supervisory Board Member at World Press Photo Foundation, the Netherlands).

The program consist of a photography workshop, attended by 10 (ten) chosen photojournalists, and a grant to finish a photo story. The workshop began on October 8, 2013 and was divided into sixteen bi-weekly in-class sessions. The main subject is photo story. Supporting material, which are also taught in these sessions, include how to write a great proposal for a photo story project – guided by practitioners in the field of electronic media (a documentary program producer), research and multimedia by experienced journalists.

PPG III sessions ended with a two-day intensive classes with a Dutch photojournalist, Kadir van Lohuizen, and the participants are required to present their work, which have been worked on during the workshop, at a photo exhibition that will be held between January 29 and February 22, 2014, plus the publication of the book Empowerment.

“Empowerment is our central theme this year, considering that it has a strong connection with education as PermataBank’s social responsibility focus. The abundant space and dimensions which we can still use to empower others make this topic all the more relevant and will hopefully contribute more positive things for Indonesia,” Davit Fletcher (PermataBank President Director).

“I met many enthusiastic people in these years. skillful, active and hard-working people who fight daily for their job and ideals. I think these trainings and competitions are good for the developments of photojournalism,” Ton van Zeeland (Director Theater and Gallery Erasmus Huis and Head of Press & Culture Royal Netherlands Embassy Jakarta).