PPG 2017 – Permata Photojournalist Grant

PermataBank believes that education is a very crucial factor in creating significant changes toward a better society. One of PermataBank’s many commitments to improving the nation’s education is through Permata PhotoJournalist Grant (PPG), which is PermataBank’s first dedicated program to develop techniques and talents of Indonesian photojournalists. A photojournalist’s daily task involves creating visual works and reporting to the public about what is happening in this world. Thus, PPG is expected to provide a learning environment where Indonesian photojournalists are able to hone their skills and create the best of works for the society.

Held in 2011, PPG I received a warm welcome from the media, photojournalists, and the public as well. PermataBank also established a partnership with Erasmus Huis and the Netherlands Embassy in Indonesia, as well as cooperated with PannaFoto Institute, Leica Store Indonesia, PT Suburmitra Grafistama, PT Surya Palacejaya, Bintaro Jaya Xchange Mall, mentors, guest mentors, editors-inchief, and photo editors from various participating media in this program.

Great support also came from individuals who care deeply about the development of photojournalism in Indonesia, such as Sasa Kralj (independent photojournalist, Croatia), Kadir van Lohuizen (cofounder of NOOR photo agency and Supervisory Board Member of World Press Photo Foundation, the Netherlands), and Jenny Smets (independent curator and Director of Photography of Vrij Nederland magazine, the Netherlands).

This year’s PPG VII program of photography workshop was attended by 8 (eight) selected photojournalists, each of whom received a grant to finish a photo story project. The workshop began on November 24, 2017 and was held twice a week in 12 classroom sessions, with the main program that includes photo story and photo writing, both of which were guided by experienced practitioners. The workshop concluded with an intensive three-day class taught by Jenny Smets on February 22 to 24, 2018. Afterwards, the participants presented their workshop results to the public through a photo exhibition and a photography book titled Change.

This year, for the second time around, PPG also selected the best work by one participant, who would receive a camera (Leica TL, 18-56mm), complimentary of Leica Store Indonesia.