North Sumatra PWI, BPJS Employment Strengthen Cooperation for Wider Social Security

The Indonesian Journalists Association (PWI) in North Sumatra is set to strengthen its cooperation with BPJS Employment (BPJS Ketenagakerjaan) to expand social security protection for its members. This initiative aims to cover approximately 900 PWI North Sumatra members. The agreement was discussed during a meeting in Medan on Tuesday, September 15, between the Chairman of PWI North Sumatra, Farianda Putra Sinik, and representatives from BPJS Employment. Budi Situmorang, Head of Participation for BPJS Employment's Tanjung Morawa Branch, stated that the protection will be extended to both ordinary and young members of PWI North Sumatra. Participants will benefit from death insurance without age limits, with claims expected to be around Rp42 million per person. The cooperation between PWI North Sumatra and BPJS Employment has been ongoing for nearly five years and is planned for a further five-year extension. The number of covered members has grown from an initial 560 to around 900, with a formal agreement expected soon. Beyond death compensation, participants registered for at least three years are also eligible for scholarship benefits for their children. Up to two children can receive scholarships totaling up to Rp174 million, covering education from elementary school to college. Farianda Putra Sinik emphasized that the extension of the cooperation is crucial to ensure uninterrupted protection for PWI members. The 900 members included are not only long-standing participants but also those previously removed due to BPJS regulations and new members from recent recruitment and promotion tests. The current contract expires in September 2026, and the proactive renewal aims to cover all PWI members in North Sumatra. This collaboration highlights efforts to provide a safety net for journalists, a profession often characterized by instability, particularly for those working in regional areas where income can be variable.