Tag: Indonesia

Inside a journalism classroom at the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, Universitas Sumatera Utara (FISIP USU), only four seats are filled for the 2023 journalism cohort. In 2022 there were nine, and two years before that, eighteen. These steadily shrinking numbers seem to hold a bigger question: why are fewer young people choosing to study journalism, at a time when the world arguably needs credible information and professional journalists more than ever?

For many students, choosing journalism feels like choosing a lonely road. One journalism student shared that she often has to answer questions like, “Why bother becoming a journalist when everyone can make news on social media?” Most of her classmates opt for public relations or advertising—paths seen as more “secure” career-wise.

“I still believe journalism matters, but honestly, the idea of becoming a journalist scares me a bit. The pay is low, the risks are high, and even my parents asked me to reconsider,” she said.

This worry is not unique to Universitas Sumatera Utara (USU). Across campuses in Indonesia, the number of students majoring or concentrating in journalism continues to fall. Antara News (2023) reported that several major universities now have fewer than ten journalism students per cohort. The trend isn’t exclusive to Indonesia either: a Pew Research Center survey (2022) in the United States found that 72% of young people prefer jobs in digital creative industries over traditional newsrooms.

The Era of Disruption and a Shaken Media Industry

The media industry itself is in turmoil. Print advertising revenue keeps plummeting, while online outlets compete fiercely with social media algorithms. Many newsrooms have downsized; some have shut their doors entirely.

Meanwhile, the content creator profession appears far more promising: higher potential income, flexible hours, easier visibility. It’s no surprise that many young people are reconsidering their options.

A Paradox: Needed, Yet Abandoned

And yet, in this age of information overload, journalism’s role is more vital than ever. The World Press Freedom Index 2024 emphasizes that democracy cannot survive without free and high-quality journalism.

“Journalistic ethics are our foundation. They guide journalists in the field to produce accurate, balanced reporting that does not harm others,” said Adi Warsidi, a member of AJI Indonesia, as quoted by WASPADA during a journalist consolidation event in Bireuen.

Non-Journalism Students’ Perspectives

Views on journalism aren’t exclusive to communication students. Rezkina, a non-journalism student at USU, said she chose public relations over journalism.

“In my opinion, public relations has better career prospects. I also like that I can get involved directly in various field activities. Journalism feels narrower, like it’s only tied to media. But I know some journalism graduates who ended up working in PR because the skills are still related,” she explained.

Still, she added that both journalism and PR have potential—she simply sees PR as more promising.

Journalism Students: Holding On to Idealism

Zahra, a journalism student at USU, admits her choice wasn’t free of doubts. “From the start, I felt journalism suited my abilities. I already imagined how closely this major is tied to the world of reporting,” she said.

The challenge, she noted, is the intense competition—especially in a tech-driven era. “Now anyone can spread ‘news’, even without learning ethics. But that’s exactly where our value lies. We can tell which reports are real and which are just sensational. That’s why journalists are still needed.”

For Zahra, technology may enable “instant journalists,” but people will still seek information from credible sources. “Compared to people who just make things up, journalism graduates are far more trusted. So I believe journalism will keep its strategic place.”

Meanwhile, Haninah chose journalism because of her love for writing, a passion honed through student press activities.

“For me, journalism isn’t just a profession—it’s a moral responsibility. We have to be brave, sensitive, and committed to ethics. The challenge isn’t only technical; it’s about staying honest when so many interests are at play,” she said.

Her biggest realization came during her internship. “There were so many things I hadn’t understood before. Journalism taught me to appreciate life more, to be more inclusive. I hope I can become a bridge between people through the information I deliver.”

But Haninah also stressed that the sustainability of this profession can’t rely solely on student idealism. “The government must create safe spaces for journalists, and the public must stop normalizing bribery. Everyone has a role if we want journalism to survive.”

Relevance That Never Fades

Even as students turn away from it, journalism remains the backbone of communication studies. Without basic journalistic skills—accurate writing, research, critical interviewing, and data processing—communication would lose its depth. Even new professions like content strategists or social media managers rely on the same fundamentals.

In this post-truth era, professional journalists are increasingly essential. They are the ones who can verify facts, distinguish opinion from information, and maintain a healthy public sphere. As Bill Kovach and Tom Rosenstiel wrote in their classic book The Elements of Journalism: “Journalism’s first obligation is to the truth.”

The Future: Survive or Transform?

The question is: will journalism remain relevant? The answer depends on how well journalism education adapts. If universities continue to innovate—integrating technology, creating collaborative spaces with industry, and emphasizing critical thinking—journalism won’t just survive; it will become even more important.

But if journalism is only seen as “a pathway to an empty newsroom,” student interest will keep declining.

Inside that quiet classroom, a handful of students still sit, open their notebooks, and write down their dreams about the future of journalism. Their number may be small, but the role they choose is immense: safeguarding democracy, fighting disinformation, and witnessing history.

In an era where everyone can speak but not everyone can be trusted, journalism may be losing applicants—but it has never lost its relevance.

Students of Communication Science at Universitas Sumatera Utara organized a series of activities consisting of a Focus Group Discussion and Leadership Out Loud on 29th November 2025, highlighting gastrodiplomacy as a medium of cross cultural communication while strengthening student leadership capacity.

The activities explored gastrodiplomacy as a form of international communication that conveys national identity, values, and cultural narratives through food. This theme was considered relevant for Communication students as it demonstrates that messages are not only delivered through spoken or written language, but also through symbols, culture, and shared experiences.

The discussion session, which involved the Consulate General of India in Medan, provided students with direct insights into cross cultural communication from a diplomatic perspective. Through this forum, participants gained a broader understanding of how communication functions as a bridge between nations and cultures, fostering mutual understanding and long term relations.

Complementing the discussion, Leadership Out Loud served as a practical space for students to apply communication and leadership values. The activity encouraged participants to make decisions, collaborate in teams, manage group dynamics, and respond to challenges collectively. It emphasized leadership as a skill developed through experience rather than theory alone.

The head of the organizing committee, M Khalish, explained that the program was designed to connect theoretical understanding with real world practice, enabling students to grasp global communication concepts while strengthening leadership and teamwork skills.

The initiative aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 4 on quality education through competency based learning, and SDG 17 on partnerships for the goals by promoting cross institutional and cross cultural collaboration.

Through this program, Communication Science students at Universitas Sumatera Utara are expected to further develop their awareness that communication extends beyond speaking and listening, encompassing understanding, collaboration, and leadership in a global context.

Publishing in a Scopus-indexed journal is widely regarded as one of the highest academic milestones, often achieved only after years of postgraduate study, extensive research experience, and deep immersion in scientific inquiry. For Helen, a graduate of the Faculty of Pharmacy at Universitas Sumatera Utara (USU), this achievement came much earlier than expected. Before completing her bachelor’s degree, she had already authored and co-authored four scientific articles published in reputable Scopus-indexed journals, an accomplishment that sets her apart as a young scholar who entered the global research arena far ahead of her academic stage.

Helen’s journey into the world of international publication began not from an established research background, but from a simple spark of curiosity. In the middle of her undergraduate program, she joined a research project led by her faculty lecturers. The project focused on the exploration of Indonesia’s natural resources and the development of herbal-based pharmaceutical products, an area rich in scientific potential but demanding rigorous methodological precision. What started as a small contribution gradually transformed into a deeper involvement as she proved her dedication and reliability.

Entering a laboratory environment filled with complex procedures and advanced instruments was initially intimidating. Helen had to learn techniques that were entirely new to her, adapt to structured data collection routines, and develop a sharp eye for scientific detail. However, each challenge strengthened her confidence. As her skills grew, so did the responsibilities entrusted to her. She became involved in literature reviews, data processing, and eventually in drafting sections of manuscripts destined for international journals. Her supervisors recognized her commitment and began to place her in more significant roles within ongoing research projects.

The process behind each of her Scopus publications involved intensive collaboration. Academic publishing rarely follows a straight line, and Helen experienced firsthand the non-linear path that every research paper must navigate. Manuscripts underwent multiple cycles of revision, and reviewer comments often required extensive reanalysis or additional experiments. For many young researchers, these critiques may feel discouraging, but Helen approached them as opportunities for growth. Every revision deepened her understanding of academic writing, methodological rigor, and the expectations of international journals.

Throughout her journey, she repeatedly highlighted the importance of strong academic relationships. For Helen, mentorship and professional networks were not supplementary elements of research—they were central. Good communication with lecturers and peers opened doors to opportunities she might otherwise never have encountered. When faculty members trusted her work ethic, they involved her in more advanced studies, expanding both her technical expertise and her exposure to scientific publication. This trust did not develop overnight; it was built through consistency, initiative, and a willingness to contribute whenever needed.

Despite the intensity of her research commitments, Helen did not isolate herself from campus life. She continued to take part in student activities and community initiatives, a balance she believes is vital for maintaining well-being and perspective. Engaging in activities beyond the laboratory kept her grounded and enriched her university experience. Her ability to balance demanding schedules demonstrated that excellence in research does not require sacrificing personal growth, but rather managing time with purpose and intention.

Helen’s four Scopus-indexed publications reflect more than academic competence. They embody her resilience, her willingness to learn from critique, and her belief in collaborative scholarship. Each article draws from Indonesia’s vast natural potential, showcasing how local biodiversity can contribute to global pharmaceutical research. Her achievements also highlight the value of involving undergraduate students in scientific work. Early exposure to research not only strengthens academic skills, but also encourages young scholars to see themselves as contributors to the wider scientific community.

To students who aspire to follow a similar path, Helen offers straightforward advice: start early, seek opportunities, and do not wait for the perfect moment. Progress, she believes, begins with taking the first step, however small. Her journey serves as a reminder that international publication is not an unattainable peak reserved for senior academics. With initiative, mentorship, and consistent effort, undergraduate students can also play a meaningful role in advancing knowledge.

Helen’s accomplishments demonstrate that academic excellence is defined less by age or academic degree and more by determination, curiosity, and openness to learning. Her story illustrates how impactful research begins not with expertise, but with the courage to participate. Through her four Scopus-indexed publications, Helen has shown that young researchers can shape scientific discourse—and that the path to global recognition often begins with a simple willingness to try.

The presence of Assoc. Prof. Dr. Gauri Kopardekar, ICCR Chair Professor from Savitribai Phule Pune University, at the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, Universitas Sumatera Utara (FISIP USU), demonstrates how academic activities can function as effective forms of cultural diplomacy. Her involvement in academic and cultural initiatives has positions the faculty not only as a learning environment, but also as a space for the exchange of meanings, values and perspectives across cultures, strengthening the university’s role in non-state diplomacy grounded in education and culture.

Within Communication Studies, particularly film studies, the activities facilitated by Dr. Kopardekar highlight audiovisual media as a tool for intercultural communication. Film is understood as a social text that represents culture, social relations and universal values; therefore, it can be analyzed critically in line with communication scholarship that views film not merely as entertainment, but as a medium that shapes perception, identity, and social understanding.

Through programs such as the Indian Movie Club, students interpret films through a cultural-communication lens, explore their social contexts, and reflect on parallels with Indonesian society. Post-screening discussions create space for equal intercultural dialogue while supporting the development of media literacy and cross-cultural sensitivity. In this process, cultural diplomacy emerges organically through narrative and visual storytelling, rather than through prescriptive, one-way initiatives. The programme also contributes to broader cultural understanding by preparing students to engage responsibly with global media and cross-cultural dialogue beyond the campus environment.

Reflecting on this approach, Farida Hanim, S.Sos., M.I.Kom., a lecturer in Communication Studies, explains:

“In communication studies, film holds a strategic position as a medium of cultural communication that not only conveys messages, but also shapes how audiences view social reality. Analytical engagement with film is therefore essential for opening dialogue across perspectives and cultivating critical sensitivity to representation, identity and power relations, especially in the context of Indian cinema, which once dominated Indonesian television.”

As ICCR Chair Professor, Dr. Kopardekar brings a cultural mandate that is closely integrated with academic practice. Her dialogic approach positions students as active participants in cultural communication, making the campus a dynamic meeting point of ideas and meanings rather than merely a venue for displaying foreign culture.

These engagements support the internationalisation of FISIP USU by providing contextual and globally oriented learning experiences. Students gain insight into other cultures while also reflecting on their own through the lens of communication and media. Collectively, these initiatives illustrate how cultural diplomacy on campus can be substantive, relevant, and sustainable.