PWI North Sumatra to Hold UKW in October 2026 with Press Council Support

MEDAN | INDATANEWS.COM - The Persatuan Wartawan Indonesia (PWI) of North Sumatra Province, in cooperation with the Indonesian Press Council (Dewan Pers), will hold the Journalist Competency Test (Uji Kompetensi Wartawan/UKW) in Medan on October 8 and 9, 2026. The event is part of efforts to strengthen journalists' professional competencies and promote professionalism among media workers in carrying out their journalistic duties.

PWI North Sumatra Chairman H. Farianda Putra Sinik, accompanied by PWI North Sumatra Deputy Chairman for Education Sugiatmo, said the UKW would be preceded by a preparatory session on October 1, 2026.

According to Farianda, the series of activities has been designed to provide prospective participants with targeted preparation for each stage of the competency test. Participants will also be able to use the preparatory session to familiarize themselves with various topics and requirements related to the implementation of the UKW.

UKW to Be Conducted by Two Competency Assessment Institutions

Farianda said the Indonesian Press Council is supporting the implementation of the UKW in Medan through two Journalist Competency Testing Institutions, known as Lembaga Uji Kompetensi Wartawan (LUKW). They are the PWI LUKW and the LUKW of Universitas Prof. Dr. Moestopo (Beragama).

"The UKW in Medan supported by the Press Council will be conducted by two competency testing institutions, namely the PWI LUKW and the LUKW of Universitas Prof. Dr. Moestopo (Beragama)," Farianda said in Medan.

He explained that the two LUKWs would receive different participant quotas. The PWI LUKW will provide 30 places divided into five classes, while the LUKW of Universitas Prof. Dr. Moestopo (Beragama) will accommodate 24 participants in four classes.

A total of 54 journalists will therefore take part in the Press Council-supported UKW in Medan. The competency test will be conducted over two days, October 8 and 9, 2026, across a total of nine classes.

"This means the Press Council-supported UKW in Medan will consist of nine classes in total. It will take place on October 8 and 9, 2026," he said.

The involvement of two LUKWs also provides journalists with an opportunity to take the competency test according to the available competency levels. Participants, however, must meet all requirements and provisions established for the UKW.

Three Competency Levels Available

Farianda further explained that the PWI LUKW will offer three competency levels in this year's UKW. They consist of Muda, Madya and Utama, which represent different levels of experience and professional competence in journalism.

For the Muda level, the PWI LUKW will provide two classes. Another two classes will be allocated for the Madya level, while one class will be available for the Utama level. The PWI LUKW will therefore have five classes with a total capacity of 30 participants.

Farianda emphasized that PWI North Sumatra will give priority to its members who wish to participate in the Madya and Utama competency levels. The arrangement is part of the participant allocation process for the competency test conducted through the PWI LUKW.

In addition to the allocation of quotas and classes, prospective participants must also pay attention to the registration period. PWI North Sumatra will open registration for the UKW from September 21 to 25, 2026.

The registration period gives eligible journalists an opportunity to register for the competency test on time. Applicants must also ensure that all required administrative documents have been completed before the series of activities begins.

Registration Opens on September 21

PWI North Sumatra is calling on journalists who wish to participate in the UKW to make use of the designated registration period. Registration will remain open for five days, from September 21 to 25, 2026.

Journalists requiring further information about the UKW can contact the PWI North Sumatra Secretariat. The secretariat is located at Jalan Adinegoro Number 4, Medan.

The Press Council-supported UKW is expected to contribute to strengthening professional journalistic competencies in North Sumatra. Through the competency test, journalists will undergo an assessment process based on the available competency levels and applicable requirements.

With the preparatory session scheduled for October 1, 2026, followed by the UKW on October 8 and 9, 2026, prospective participants will have time to prepare for the entire series of activities. Through its secretariat, PWI North Sumatra will also provide information for journalists seeking further clarification regarding registration and the implementation of the UKW.

The event also highlights the importance of developing qualified human resources in the journalism sector. Journalists participating in the UKW can prepare by understanding the examination materials and regulations that form part of the competency assessment process.

With a total of nine classes conducted by two LUKWs, the Press Council-supported UKW in Medan in October 2026 will provide dozens of journalists with an opportunity to have their professional competencies assessed. Registration from September 21 to 25, 2026, will be the first step for journalists wishing to participate in the event. (IDNC)

REPORTER: Ahmad Zulfikar | EDITOR: Fik Sagala

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