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Spotlighting democracy’s many sides through photography
On June 1, 1945, statesman and nationalist Soekarno outlined five principles he saw as commonly shared by Indonesians across the archipelago.
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n June 1, 1945, statesman and nationalist Soekarno outlined five principles he saw as commonly shared by Indonesians across the archipelago. These principles would later become the Pancasila, the guiding soul of the nation.
The essence of democracy is entwined within the fourth principle of Pancasila, in which the Indonesian people are led by collective decisions achieved through deliberations by representatives. Democracy itself takes numerous forms, from voters queuing patiently to put their trust in the ballot to protests that demonstrate the public’s opinion.
Throughout history, photographers — both professionals and aspirants alike — have captured moments that show the myriad sides to the democratic process: the good and the bad, the grieving and the triumphant, and the ones that speak to the collective humanity within.
To celebrate the power of democratic expression and inclusive engagement, and in recognition of the power of photos to showcase these moments, The Jakarta Post has partnered with PannaFoto Institute to launch a photo competition with the theme of “A Voice for All: Capturing the Spirit of Participation”.
The competition is part of The Jakarta Post’s 40th anniversary campaign, marking a milestone in the newspaper’s history as it enters its fifth decade of reporting, promoting and safeguarding democracy in Indonesia and Southeast Asia.
In the spirit of open dialogue, Indonesian photographers — from professional photojournalists to weekend enthusiasts — are invited to capture moments that showcase the diverse voices, experiences and perspectives of the nation participating in democratic processes.
Open until June 20, the competition is on the search for compelling, thought-provoking and inspiring photo stories that best represent the spirit of civic participation, such as voting, community engagement, social activism and public discourse. The main theme itself can be interpreted through four distinct sub-themes:
- Voting & Elections: Document the excitement, anticipation and pride of citizens taking part in the electoral process.
- Community Involvement: Show the impact of people coming together to improve their neighborhoods, support local initiatives and create positive change.
- Social Activism: Capture the passion of individuals advocating for social, environmental or political causes that matter to them.
- Public Discourse: Demonstrate the exchange of ideas and opinions in public spaces, including debates, town hall meetings and cultural events.
The competition is divided into two categories: general public and students along with a readers’ choice award. Submissions will be judged on their visual approach that includes creativity and technical quality, story description, and relevance to the public.
The jury panel includes The Jakarta Post editor-in-chief M. Taufiqurrahman, PannaFoto Institute managing director Ng Swan Ti, and The Jakarta Post 40th Anniversary Photo Exhibition curator Rony Zakaria.
With this competition, The Jakarta Post aims to spotlight the beauty of a shared humanity and highlight the importance of efforts in ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to make their voice heard.
So, grab your cameras and steady your focus, and let the spirit of participation capture you as you capture it.
For more information and registration, visit /photo-competition.
