Jakarta, en.SERU.co.id – PT Bank CIMB Niaga Tbk (CIMB Niaga), in collaboration with the Indonesian Institute of Journalism (IIJ), has launched the CIMB Niaga Sustainability Journalism Fellowship (SJF) 2026. The program provides Rp200 million in total fellowship funding to selected journalists to bring their sustainability ideas to life.
CIMB Niaga Corporate Communications Head Hery Kurniawan stated that the initiative is supported by the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), a leading international organization providing standards for ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) sustainability reporting.
“This support is expected to motivate journalists to implement positive-impact ideas in social, economic, and environmental aspects within their operational areas,” Hery said in an official statement to SERU.co.id.
Through CIMB Niaga SJF 2026, CIMB Niaga, IIJ, and GRI invite journalists to actively contribute to sustainability by turning ideas into tangible positive outcomes for society and the environment.
“This aligns with CIMB Niaga’s purpose of Advancing Customers and Society—helping customers and communities realize their dreams and aspirations, including journalists through their works and positive contributions to society and the environment,” Hery added.
Hery emphasized that journalists, with their direct field experience across diverse issues, are ideally positioned to drive sustainability solutions.
“CIMB Niaga sees great potential in journalists developing their own stories into social and environmental projects that demonstrate real sustainability impact,” he noted.
The program draws inspiration from CIMB Niaga’s “The Cooler Earth” Sustainability Bank initiatives and media gatherings since 2024, where journalists shared ideas like forest preservation in Kediri, coastal ecosystem development in Yogyakarta, marine ecosystem protection in Batam and Manado, and sago plant development in Jayapura.
“We are confident many more inspiring actions and stories from journalists across regions can become beneficial sustainability solutions for communities and the environment,” Hery said.
IIJ Executive Director Umar Idris agreed, noting that SJF 2026 allows journalists to act as agents of change through constructive journalism—producing not only journalistic works but also real solutions for local communities and nature conservation.
“This is proof of how banking and media can join hands for a sustainable future. As Indonesia’s first such banking-led initiative, it opens fresh opportunities for media and journalists to be more creative and active in sustainability agendas,” Umar stated.
AJI Indonesia Chairperson Nany Afrida highlighted journalists’ key role in sustainability issues, both in newsrooms and communities. GRI ASEAN Program Manager Lany Harijanti discussed global sustainability policy trends and collaboration opportunities across sectors.
Apply Now to Realize Your Sustainability Ideas
The program is open to active journalists from across Indonesia, individually or in groups (max 3 people), from March 9 to May 10, 2026. Submit ideas via a proposal using the provided template.
A total of 20 journalists (individuals or groups) will be selected and receive Rp10 million each in funding to implement their proposals. Selected fellows will also join a Sustainability Masterclass with experts from CIMB Niaga, GRI Indonesia, and IIJ for guidance on sustainability insights, constructive journalism, and long-term strategies.
Winners will create journalistic works on sustainability agendas with CIMB Niaga. The top three will join CIMB Niaga’s sustainability activities and volunteer programs in Eastern Indonesia for hands-on experience and contributions.
Interested journalists can review terms and register at: bit.ly/JournalismFellowshipCIMBNiaga.
Key Registration Requirements & Details
- Open to journalists nationwide.
- Individual (1 person) or group (max 3 from same/different media).
- Multiple ideas allowed, but only one best selected per applicant.
- 20 fellows chosen; each gets Rp10 million funding.
- Fellows must attend masterclass, publish sustainability works in their media, and implement ideas.
- Written permission from home media recommended.
- Follow @cimb_niaga and @jurnalisme.id on Instagram for updates.
Proposal Guidelines
- Use the downloadable template from the registration link.
- Focus on one of CIMB Niaga’s four CSR pillars: Education; Health and Community Welfare; Economic Empowerment; Climate and Environment.
The 20 selected fellows will be announced in June 2026 via @jurnalisme.id on Instagram. (rhd)
