PWI North Sumatra Extends BPJS Partnership to Protect 900 Journalists

MEDAN | INDATANEWS.COM - The Indonesian Journalists Association (Persatuan Wartawan Indonesia/PWI) in North Sumatra has ensured that around 900 of its members will continue to receive employment social security coverage. The assurance follows an agreement to extend the partnership between PWI North Sumatra and BPJS Ketenagakerjaan for another five years.

The agreement was reached during a meeting between PWI North Sumatra officials and the Tanjung Morawa branch of BPJS Ketenagakerjaan in Medan on Tuesday, September 15, 2026. The extension reflects the shared commitment of both parties to protect journalists while carrying out their professional duties through social security benefits.

The meeting was attended by PWI North Sumatra Chairman Farianda Putra Sinik, Deputy Chairman for Organizational Affairs Rifki Warisan, Secretary SR Hamonangan Panggabean, Treasurer Hartati Rangkuti, and Mery Ismail.

Representing the Tanjung Morawa branch of BPJS Ketenagakerjaan were Head of Membership Budi Situmorang and Mei Vivi Sibuea.

The partnership between PWI North Sumatra and BPJS Ketenagakerjaan has been in place for five years. At the beginning of the program, 560 journalists were registered. As participation has increased, around 900 members now receive the corresponding social security coverage.

Coverage Expanded to 900 Journalists

Budi Situmorang, Head of Membership at BPJS Ketenagakerjaan Tanjung Morawa, said the partnership with PWI North Sumatra has now entered its fifth year. The growth in the number of participants demonstrates that coverage for members of the journalists' association has continued to expand.

Budi explained that all PWI North Sumatra members, both regular and young members, are covered against the risk of death regardless of age.

"All PWI Sumut members, both regular and young members, receive death protection regardless of age. The benefit is around Rp42 million per person," Budi said.

PWI North Sumatra and BPJS Ketenagakerjaan will soon formally continue the partnership through the signing of the extended agreement.

With the continuation of the partnership, PWI North Sumatra members will remain covered by social security against risks associated with their journalistic duties. The benefits also provide support for the families of insured members if a death occurs in accordance with the provisions of the BPJS Ketenagakerjaan program.

The participation figure of around 900 members also reflects the expansion of the program compared with its initial stage. When the program was first implemented, only 560 journalists affiliated with PWI North Sumatra were registered.

Education Scholarships Through Higher Education

The protection provided through the partnership is not limited to death benefits. Under certain conditions, BPJS Ketenagakerjaan also provides education scholarships for the children of insured members.

Budi explained that participants who have been insured under the program for at least three years may provide their children with education benefits in the event of their death. The program provides scholarships of up to Rp174 million for a maximum of two children.

The education benefit covers various levels of education, from elementary school through higher education. This means insured families receive not only financial assistance following a death, but also support to ensure their children's education can continue if the family's breadwinner passes away.

The scholarship program is therefore one of the key benefits arising from the partnership between PWI North Sumatra and BPJS Ketenagakerjaan. Educational assistance can help journalists' families cope with the economic burden that may arise following the death of an insured member.

For PWI North Sumatra, providing social protection for journalists is as important as improving their skills and professionalism. Journalists face various risks while carrying out their duties in the field. Social security is therefore an important part of efforts to provide greater protection as they perform their profession.

PWI North Sumatra Ensures Partnership Continues

PWI North Sumatra Chairman Farianda Putra Sinik welcomed the agreement to extend the partnership. He expressed relief that PWI North Sumatra and BPJS Ketenagakerjaan had secured the continuation of the program before the existing agreement expires in September 2026.

"Alhamdulillah, today we reached an agreement to extend the contract. We do not want the partnership to be interrupted. All of this is aimed at providing protection for all PWI members in North Sumatra," Farianda emphasized.

Farianda explained that the approximately 900 members covered include both long-standing and new members. PWI North Sumatra had also brought back former members into the program who had temporarily not been covered due to existing BPJS Ketenagakerjaan regulations.

In addition, PWI North Sumatra enrolled new members who emerged from the Journalist Competency Tests (Uji Kompetensi Wartawan/UKW) held in late 2025. This expansion also contributed to the increase in the total number of members now receiving social security protection.

"This brings the total to 900 members," he said.

The five-year extension provides PWI North Sumatra members with greater certainty regarding their social security protection. At the same time, the program underscores the association's commitment to the social and economic security of journalists and their families.

For journalists, social security provides greater peace of mind in carrying out their professional responsibilities. For their families, death benefits and education scholarships can serve as important support when they face unexpected risks.

PWI North Sumatra and BPJS Ketenagakerjaan will next sign the extended agreement, formally implementing the deal that has been reached. Through the continuation of the partnership, around 900 PWI North Sumatra members will remain covered by social security over the next five years.

The continuation of the program also strengthens the association's role in providing concrete support to its members. Alongside promoting journalists' skills and professionalism, PWI North Sumatra is also placing greater emphasis on members' welfare and social protection.

Through death protection and education benefits, PWI North Sumatra journalists are expected to carry out their duties with greater security and peace of mind. The coverage also serves as a form of support for journalists' families who may face the consequences of losing an insured family member. (IDNC)

REPORTER: Ahmad Zulfikar | EDITOR: Fik Sagala

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