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, which was held in 2011, received positive responses from media, photojournalists, and the public. Following the success, PermataBank established major partnerships with Erasmus Huis and the Netherlands Embassy in Indonesia and embarked upon collaborations with PannaFoto Institute, Leica Store Jakarta, PT Suburmitra Grafistama, PT Surya Palacejaya, mentors, guest mentors, editors-in-chief, and photo editors from the participating media in this program.

Support also came from individuals who care about the development of photojournalism in Indonesia, such as Sasa Kralj (independent photojournalist, Croatia), Kadir van Lohuizen (co-founder of NOOR Photo Agency, the Netherlands), and Jenny Smets (Independent Curator and Photo Editor, the Netherlands).

In the ten years, PPG has produced 96 alumni who work for various media, both printed and online digital, as well as freelance photographers & journalists, who live in various cities in Indonesia: Jakarta, Bekasi, Tangerang, Bandung, Banyumas, Purwokerto, Solo, Yogyakarta, Malang, Palembang, Kab. Bangka Tengah, Denpasar, Makassar, Padang, Banda Aceh, hingga Timika.