BOGOR | INDATANEWS.COM – The Indonesian Photojournalists Association (Pewarta Foto Indonesia/PFI) held the Anugerah Pewarta Foto Indonesia (APFI) 2026 on Friday, May 8, 2026, at the Regional Secretariat Auditorium in the Bogor Regency Government Complex, Cibinong, West Java. The prestigious competition once again reaffirmed its status as Indonesia's highest recognition for photojournalists.
APFI 2026 Marks 16th Edition with Growing ParticipationSince its inaugural edition in 2009, APFI has developed into one of the country's most significant awards in photojournalism. Now in its 16th year, the competition continues to record a steady increase in submissions, reflecting the growing appreciation for visual journalism in Indonesia.
The accompanying exhibition at Taman Siliwangi within the
Bogor Government Complex also drew significant public attention. Thousands of visitors attended the showcase, which featured powerful visual narratives documenting key national and global events over the past year.
PFI Central Chairman Dwi Pambudo (Dido) emphasized APFI's vital role as a platform for professional photojournalists in Indonesia.
"For
APFI 2026, we received a total of 2,322 submissions, of which 1,831 were verified and accepted from 127 PFI members and 27 citizen journalists," he said.
Visual Journalism Amid Industry Challenges
Dwi Pambudo also highlighted APFI's importance as a space for strengthening photojournalists amid ongoing challenges in the media industry, including digital disruption, misinformation, and workforce reductions in news organizations.
According to him, APFI is designed to remain "a source of inspiration and an oasis for high-quality visual journalism" in Indonesia's evolving media landscape.
PHOTOGRAPHERS' GATHERING: Photographers attend a dinner during the Anugerah
Pewarta Foto Indonesia (APFI) 2026 at the Regional Secretariat Auditorium in the
Bogor Government Complex, Cibinong, West Java, on Friday (08/05/2026). (PHOTO: Dalil Harahap)
Award-Winning Works Recognized Across CategoriesFollowing a rigorous judging process, outstanding works were honored across multiple categories. The top prize, the Alex and Frans Mendur Trophy – Photo of the Year in the Spot News category, was awarded to Fauzan for his work "Demonstration Following the Death of a Motorcycle Taxi Driver Hit by a Brimob Tactical Vehicle."
In the Spot Photo Story category, Edwin Putranto (Republika) won for "The Vanished Village, Swept Away by Floodwaters."
Other notable winners included:
Umarul Faruq (LKBN ANTARA) – "Evacuation of Victims of the Al-Khoziny Islamic Boarding School Accident" (General News Single Photo)Rivan Awal Lingga (LKBN ANTARA) – "A Simple Melody in a Disaster Zone" (Photo Story)Jeprima WD (Tribunnews.com) – "Tom Lembong Released" (People in the News Single Photo)Adi Maulana Ibrahim (CNN Indonesia) – "The Final Journey of Affan Kurniawan" (Photo Story)
Nature, Culture, and Sports Take the SpotlightIn the Nature and Environment category, Totok Wijayanto (Harian Kompas) won for "Post-Flood Conditions in Aceh Tamiang," while Chaideer Mahyuddin (AFP Jakarta) earned Best Photo Story for "The Last Hope."
In Arts and Entertainment, Wahdi Septiawan (LKBN ANTARA) won with "Bekarang-Riang," while Andry Denisah (LKBN ANTARA) took the Photo Story award for "Wowine Wakatobi as a Symbol of Female Strength and Independence."
Sports categories saw Adryan Yoga (Harian Kompas) win for "Marquez's Curse in Mandalika," while Agatha Capri earned Best Sports Photo Story with "The World Comes to a Forgotten Land."
The Citizen Journalism category was awarded to Fajar Samsumar for "Towering Cumulonimbus Clouds as Harbingers of Disaster."
Appreciation for Partners and Supporters
PFI also extended its gratitude to partners and sponsors, including Pertamina, Bank Mandiri, and BNI, along with various public and private institutions.
"We thank all partners who not only displayed their logos but also actively contributed to the development of photojournalism in Indonesia," said Dwi Pambudo, expressing hope for continued long-term collaboration. (IDNC)
REPORTER:
Muhammad Said Harahap | EDITOR:
Fik Sagala