PWI Jambi Holds 14th Independent Journalist Competency Test

JAMBI | INDATANEWS.COM - The Indonesian Journalists Association (PWI) of Jambi has once again held an Independent Journalist Competency Test (Uji Kompetensi Wartawan/UKW) at Hotel Abadi in Jambi. The two-day event, held from September 11 to 12, 2026, is part of PWI's efforts to strengthen the competence and professionalism of journalists in carrying out their journalistic duties.

The opening of the 14th Independent UKW organized by PWI Jambi was held on Friday, September 11, 2026, and attended by a number of senior officials and prominent figures from Jambi Province. The chairman of the PWI Central Executive Board, who was unable to attend, was represented by the secretary of the Honorary Council of the PWI Central Executive Board, H. Nurkholis. He also served as chairman of the examination team and was assisted by five other examiners.

The opening ceremony was also attended by representatives of the regional government and the Regional Leadership Coordination Forum (Forkopimda). Among them were Jambi Provincial Secretary Dr. H. Sudirman, representing the Governor of Jambi; Deputy Chief of the Jambi Provincial Police Brigjen Pol K. Yani Sudarto; Jambi Mayor Dr. Dr. H. Maulana; Chairman of the Jambi Provincial PWI H. Ridwan Agus Depati; Jambi Police Chief Kombes Pol Ananto Herlambang; and Head of the Jambi Police Public Relations Division Kombes Pol Erlan Munaji.

Also in attendance were Jambi Provincial PWI adviser Irjen Pol (Ret.) Bambang Suparsono, Provincial Honorary Council Chairman H. Marpaung, the secretary-general of the Jambi Provincial PWI, several deputy chairmen, as well as PWI Kota Jambi experts Mukhtadi Putra Nusa and Pirma Satria. Several PWI Kota Jambi advisers, including Paisal Kumar, Joni Rizal, Sabar Yusminardi and Renold, members of the PWI Kota Jambi executive board, cooperation partners and other invited guests were also present.

Journalists from Jambi and West Sumatra provinces are participating in this year's UKW. According to the organizing committee, participants are taking examinations at three competency levels: beginner, intermediate and advanced. The examination series is designed to assess their ability to perform journalistic duties in accordance with applicable journalistic competency standards.

Strengthening Journalists' Competence

Chairman of PWI Jambi and chairman of the organizing committee for the 14th Independent UKW, Irwansyah, said the event was one of PWI Kota Jambi's work programs aimed at improving the quality of human resources in journalism.

"This is one of PWI Kota Jambi's work programs to improve the quality of journalists' human resources in Jambi Province," Irwansyah said.

He said strengthening journalistic competence was increasingly important as the public's expectations for high-quality journalistic products continued to grow. Journalists, he added, must not only be able to deliver information but must also understand fundamental journalistic principles and carry out their duties professionally.

Irwansyah also expressed his appreciation to all cooperation partners who supported the implementation of the UKW. He said the support reflected a shared commitment to improving the quality of journalists in Jambi Province.

"We would like to thank PWI Kota Jambi's cooperation partners, the Jambi Police, the Jambi City Government, the Jambi Provincial Government and all other parties involved," he said.

He expressed hope that the results of the UKW would benefit all participants and help them perform their journalistic duties more professionally in the future.

"I hope what we have planned will help journalists carry out their journalistic duties more professionally," he concluded.

Jambi Police Commends UKW Implementation

Jambi Police Chief Irjen Pol Krisno H. Siregar, in a speech delivered by his deputy, Brigjen Pol K. Yani Sudarto, commended the implementation of the Independent UKW organized by PWI Kota Jambi.

According to the police chief, the UKW is not merely a process for obtaining recognition of professional competence. Rather, it is an important part of building the professionalism, integrity and quality of media professionals in carrying out their journalistic duties.

The rapid development of information technology and digital media, he said, has also presented increasingly complex challenges for journalism. Information is now disseminated at high speed, while the public needs information that is accurate, precise, balanced and accountable.

Under these circumstances, the competence of journalists has become increasingly important. Journalists must not only be capable of delivering news quickly, but must also verify information, understand the journalistic code of ethics, maintain their independence, prioritize accuracy and uphold the principle of balance in their reporting.

"Therefore, I hope the implementation of this UKW will serve as an impetus to continuously improve the quality and professionalism of media professionals, particularly in Jambi Province," he said.

The police chief also emphasized the strategic position of the media in democratic life. The press does not merely provide information but also plays an important role in promoting transparency, representing the interests of the public and educating society.

"For the police, the existence of the media is an important part of building public communication and maintaining public trust," he added.

Strengthening a Healthy Partnership with the Media

The Jambi Police, the police chief continued, understands that it cannot carry out all of its duties alone. In maintaining security and public order, the police need the support and cooperation of various elements of society, including media professionals.

Therefore, the Jambi Police hopes that relations between the police and the media will continue to develop in the spirit of a healthy, professional and constructive partnership based on mutual respect.

"We also provide the broadest possible space for communication and transparency in providing information in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. Criticism, suggestions and corrections from the media are important for us as part of our efforts to evaluate and improve the performance of our duties," he said.

The police chief then encouraged all participants to use the UKW as an opportunity to assess their abilities, broaden their knowledge and strengthen their commitment as competent, professional, independent, ethical and responsible journalists.

At the same time, he reminded participants that the competencies acquired through the UKW should not end with the issuance of a certificate but must actually be applied in their daily journalistic work.

"I would also like to remind everyone that the competencies acquired should not stop at a certificate but must actually be implemented in daily journalistic work. With a professional press and an open police force, I am confident that together we can strengthen public trust and create a safe, peaceful and stable environment for public security and order," he concluded.

Following the speeches, the event continued with the ceremonial striking of a gong, marking the official opening of the 14th Independent UKW organized by PWI Kota Jambi. The Jambi Provincial Secretary, Deputy Chief of the Jambi Police, Jambi Mayor, Chairman of the Jambi Provincial PWI, Jambi Police Chief and Chairman of PWI Kota Jambi took part in the ceremony.

The opening also marked the beginning of the two-day examination series for UKW participants. Through the event, PWI Kota Jambi hopes participating journalists will continue to develop their competencies, uphold professional standards and produce increasingly high-quality journalistic work that is accountable to the public. (IDNC)

REPORTER: Dalil Harahap | EDITOR: Fik Sagala

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