Jakarta. State-owned pawn shop operator PT Pegadaian (Persero) continues to reinforce its commitment to advancing the quality and professionalism of Indonesia's media through its nationwide Journalist Competency Test (UKW) program.

Conducted in partnership with the Dr. Soetomo Press Institute (LPDS), the initiative has benefited hundreds of journalists from across the country since its launch in 2025, supporting the development of a more professional, credible and responsible press.

The program entered a new phase in 2026 with the first UKW session held in Jakarta on June 3–5, followed by a second session in Surabaya on June 24–26. Together, the two sessions brought together 40 journalists representing 37 media organizations, further expanding Pegadaian's contribution to strengthening journalism standards nationwide.

Deputy Chairman of the Indonesian Press Council, Totok Suryanto, praised Pegadaian's continued commitment during the Surabaya program, saying the initiative has delivered meaningful benefits for journalists by improving professional competence.

His remarks were echoed by Kristanto Hartadi, Director of the Dr. Soetomo Press Institute, who described Pegadaian's support as a tangible contribution to maintaining the quality and independence of Indonesian journalism.

"On behalf of LPDS and Indonesia's journalism community, we sincerely thank Pegadaian for supporting the competency and professionalism of journalists nationwide," Kristanto said. "Journalist competency certification is not only about improving professional standards but also about safeguarding press freedom. A free press can only be sustained by journalists who are competent, professional and uphold the highest standards of integrity."

For Pegadaian, supporting journalist development is part of its broader commitment to strengthening public literacy.

Eka Pebriansyah, Director of Network and Operations at PT Pegadaian (Persero), said the media plays a strategic role in educating society, making professional journalism essential for building public trust.

"Professional journalism plays an important role in fostering public confidence and improving literacy, including financial literacy," Eka said. "Through the UKW program, Pegadaian hopes to contribute to creating a healthy, objective and responsible information ecosystem that benefits the public."

The company's commitment has steadily expanded over the past two years.

In 2025 alone, Pegadaian organized UKW programs in 11 cities—Jakarta, Surabaya, Bandung, Semarang, Medan, Palembang, Pekanbaru, Denpasar, Balikpapan, Manado and Makassar. The initiative involved 226 journalists from 208 media organizations across 26 provinces, making it one of the country's largest privately supported journalist competency programs.

The UKW is designed to strengthen journalists' professionalism in accordance with Indonesia's Journalistic Code of Ethics and Law No. 40 of 1999 on the Press, while helping ensure higher standards of reporting and greater public accountability.

The initiative also reflects Pegadaian's commitment to supporting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 4: Quality Education, by investing in human capital development within Indonesia's journalism profession.

By continuing to invest in journalist competency, Pegadaian aims to help foster a stronger media ecosystem—one built on professionalism, integrity and credibility—while contributing to a more informed and financially literate society.