Inke Maris & Associates Amidst Fierce Competition and AI Disruption Wins Another PR Agency of the Year 2026 Recognition by the Industry

Jakarta, August 18, 2026 – Inke Maris & Associates (IM&A) has once again reaffirmed its position as one of Indonesia's leading independent public relations (PR) and strategic communications consultants, following a series of awards received from various organizations in recent years. This year, Inke Maris & Associates was honored with the "Indonesia PR Practitioner of the Year 2026 (Journalists' Choice)" award in the "PR Agency of the Year 2026" category. This recognition serves as a pivotal moment for IM&A to reflect on its long journey in the PR and communications industry while preparing for future challenges, including intense agency competition and the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) technology.

Isma Natanegara, CEO of Inke Maris & Associates, stated that the recognition IM&A consistently receives year after year is not merely a ceremonial achievement; rather, it reflects the company's unwavering service quality and the trust it has built with stakeholders—particularly the media—over nearly four decades.

“Every award we receive serves as a reminder that trust must be continuously upheld—it is not something to be viewed as a completed task. This motivates the entire team to strive for even better performance in the future,” said Isma.

Throughout its journey, IM&A has received numerous awards from various organizations, including:

• Indonesia PR of the Year 2026 by MIX MarComm Magazine (SWA Media Group): won two awards simultaneously—PR Agency of the Year and Junior Practitioner (in the PR Practitioners of the Year 2026 – Journalists' Choice category)—based on a survey of Indonesian journalists across various media outlets.
• Indonesia PR of the Year 2025 by MIX MarComm Magazine (SWA Media Group): secured three awards—Indonesia PR Practitioner of the Year 2025 (Journalists' Choice) in the PR Agency category; the Lifetime Achievement Award (Journalists' Choice) presented to IM&A founder, the late Inke Maris; and Junior PR Practitioner in the PR Industry (Journalists' Choice).
• Best PR Agency in ASEAN at the 5th ASEAN PR Excellence Awards 2025 in Kuala Lumpur. This international award was organized by the ASEAN PR Network in collaboration with the Institute of Public Relations Malaysia (IPRM) and the Global Alliance for Public Relations and Communication Management.
• Indonesia PR of the Year 2024 by MIX MarComm Magazine (SWA Media Group): won two awards simultaneously—PR Agency of the Year and Junior Practitioner (in the PR Practitioners of the Year 2024 – Journalists' Choice category)—based on a survey of Indonesian journalists across various media outlets.
• MAW Talk Awards 2024: named the Most Influential PR Company in Indonesia, in recognition of IM&A’s commitment to providing strategic communication services that create an impact for both clients and the public.
• PR Agency of the Year 2016 by MIX Magazine, based on a survey of over 100 journalists in Indonesia.

Isma Natanegara also emphasized that this achievement owes much to the media and fellow journalists who have served as strategic partners to IM&A. The majority of the awards received by IM&A are the result of direct assessments by journalists across various media outlets in Indonesia (Journalists' Choice), making this recognition particularly meaningful.

“We wish to express our deepest gratitude to the media and journalists who continue to trust and acknowledge our presence and contributions within the PR industry. This recognition from our journalist colleagues is deeply significant, as they are the ones who interact with us daily and bear witness to the consistency of the IM&A team's work,” said Isma.

A senior journalist in Jakarta also commended IM&A’s performance. According to senior journalist Heriyadi, IM&A has successfully prioritized a responsive, solution-oriented, and communicative approach in its media interactions. The media is frequently asked for perspectives on issues being handled by IM&A’s clients. Another senior journalist from Medan, also praised IM&A’s performance and success. Senior journalist Rizanul Arifin noted that IM&A is consistently responsive and quick to address inquiries when journalists require additional data regarding events or press releases. “The IM&A team is prompt in providing necessary data; even after an event has concluded, they respond to us immediately. That has been my experience throughout more than 15 years I have been dealing with them.”

Amidst the ongoing recognition it receives, IM&A also acknowledges that the PR industry landscape is becoming increasingly competitive and dynamic. According to Isma Natanegara, there are at least two major challenges that IM&A and the PR industry will be facing in the future, namely:

• Intensifying competition among agencies. An increasing number of new PR agencies are emerging, including those offering services integrated with digital marketing and technology. This compels IM&A to continuously reinforce its differentiation through strategic quality, deep-rooted relationships with media and stakeholders, and a track record established since 1986.
• The rapid advancement of AI technology. The advent of various AI tools allows certain technical PR tasks—such as research, media monitoring, and drafting initial content—to be performed more quickly by anyone, including clients and new industry competitors. The challenge lies in ensuring IM&A maintains its edge in areas that technology cannot replace: strategic acumen, sensitivity to socio-cultural contexts, and the quality of media relationships.

“The challenge in the future is no longer about who possesses the most advanced tools, but rather who can integrate technology with experience, ethics, and authentic human connections. That is the position IM&A aims to maintain as a benchmark,” said Isma.

He added that IM&A would continue to invest in team capacity building—spanning both strategic skills and technological literacy—to ensure the company can adapt without losing the core values that have served as its foundation since its inception.

About Inke Maris & Associates
PR Agency Indonesia

Established in 1986, Inke Maris & Associates (IM&A) is a leading, independent PR Agency in Jakarta providing strategic counsel to businesses, organisations and public institutions. IM&A was recognised as the Best PR Firm in Indonesia after a survey conducted by Mix Magazine to over 100 Indonesian journalists nominated the firm for the PR Agency of the Year Award 2016. As PR and strategic communications consultants, our work falls into overarching and often intersecting areas of Public Affairs, Corporate Communications, Financial Communications, Marketing Communications, Issues & Crisis Communications, Capacity Building & Training, Social Marketing & PR Campaigns, Community and Stakeholder Engagement, Digital PR, Event Management.

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