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12 IPC Students Join the International Conference ‘Current Development and Prospect of Cooperation Between Indonesia and Russia’

12 IPC Students Join the International Conference ‘Current Development and Prospect of Cooperation Between Indonesia and Russia’

Several International Program Communications (IPC) UII students had the opportunity to join the international conference ‘Current Development and Prospect of Cooperation Between Indonesia and Russia’ on 18 November 2024 in Yogyakarta.

Nahdhatul Ulama University (UNU) Yogyakarta organized the international conference in collaboration with Moscow State Institute of International Relations (MGIMO University).

The academic forum, which was attended by students and lecturers from various universities and practitioners, discussed strategic issues ranging from education, and business, to international cooperation opportunities.

Technically, the participants were divided into groups consisting of various universities. Each group will discuss and create ideas and solutions in response to the most beneficial cooperation potential for Indonesia and Russia.

Quoting from the official website of UNU Yogyakarta, academics from MGIMO University include Dr Nikita Kuklin, Dr Alena Dolgova, and Dr. Kira Tabunova. In general, the material presented was opportunities for cooperation, both in terms of academics related to scholarships in Russia and how to negotiate and communicate with people from various cultural backgrounds.

Ideas Delivered by IPC Students in International Forums

There were 12 IPC students who participated in the forum, one of the participants, Berliana Hafinda, shared her experience at the academic forum.

She got a topic related to logistics, with a team of 7 students from various campuses. In general, logistics is a process that involves planning, implementing, and controlling the flow of goods and information from the point of origin to the point of consumption.

“From the discussion we have done, the urgency of cooperation between Russia and Indonesia in the logistics industry is from the vast opportunities in Indonesia due to the natural conditions and the shape of the archipelago,” Berliana said.

“In addition, why choose Russia, because they have experience in this field. For example, there is GTLogistics as a company that focuses on this field which has advanced technology as well,” she added.

Humaira Lathifah, IPC Batch 2023 explained that the academic forum has relevance to the study of Communication Science, especially about intercultural communication.

“The most prominent thing is intercultural communication. We as participants get to know the cultures that exist in Russia. how is the cultural background and also the cultural differences with us as people who come from Indonesia,” said Humaira.

Regarding the topic at the international conference, the curriculum she studied was able to answer various challenges, ranging from communication strategies to critical thinking.

“As well as the PESTEL and SWOT analysis tasks, these are relevant to the development of corporate communication strategies when looking to enter new markets, as well as some public relations principles. strengthening communication soft skills is also included. public speaking, persuasion, critical thinking are very influential. which is the core of communication skills,” she said.

List of participants:

  1. Clorentia Sherly (Batch 2021)
  2. Berliana Hafinda AS (Batch 2021)
  3. Alifia Syauqillah Arrahman (Batch 2023)
  4. Fabio Danendra (Batch 2023)
  5. Cleodora Faustina (Batch 2023)
  6. Amelia Putri (Batch 2023)
  7. Humaira Lathifah (Batch 2023)
  8. Muhammad Fathurrahman Prima Sakti (Batch 2023)
  9. Muhammad Atha Damario (Batch 22)
  10. Spica Fijriyani S (Batch 22)
  11. Ahmad Jamaludin NurFahmi (Batch 22)
  12. Musdalifah (Batch 22)
  13. Muhammad Aranbagus (Batch 22)

All participants took turns presenting their ideas, in general they mentioned cooperation opportunities to the most profitable industries that could be collaborated between Indonesia and Russia.

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Gender Equality and The Responsibility of Social Media

gender equality

Gender equality is fundamentally a human right. It means that all individuals regardless of their gender, race, or class should have equal opportunities, rights, and dignity in society. Beyond being a moral obligation, gender equality is essential for creating peaceful communities, unlocking human potential, and improving lives. In today’s digital era, social media has emerged as one of the most powerful tools for promoting gender equality.

Social media provides a platform for individuals to share their stories and experiences, which fosters advocacy, raises awareness, and drives systemic change. Its global reach and accessibility have contributed to significant shifts in how gender equality is perceived and addressed around the world.

Social media plays a significant role in promoting gender equality by offering a platform for marginalized groups.  For example, hashtags like #HeForShe and #EqualPay have sparked widespread discussions and mobilized action worldwide. Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok enable users to share personal experiences of discrimination and success stories, amplifying diverse voices.

For instance, the #MeToo movement, which originated in Hollywood, became a global phenomenon that exposed systemic harassment and discrimination across industries, including sports, media, and academia. It not only encouraged survivors to share their stories but also led to changes, such as stricter workplace harassment policies in countries like the United States, India, and France. Similarly, the #HeForShe campaign launched by UN Women encouraged men to take an active role in advocating for gender equality and challenging traditional gender norms.

Social media makes a significant contribution to gender equality, but it also has risks. One major issue is misinformation. When false information spreads, it can create confusion and harm the cause of gender equality. Also, insensitive posts can reinforce stereotypes or make light of serious issues, which can hurt people’s understanding of gender issues. For instance, false claims about gender pay gaps or exaggerated statistics on women’s participation in politics can undermine efforts for equality. In some cases, such misinformation is intentionally spread by groups opposing gender rights movements. This creates mistrust and diverts focus from real issues.

Another critical challenge is the prevalence of online harassment and hate speech. Platforms like Instagram and Twitter often become breeding grounds for trolls who target individuals advocating for gender equality. Survivors of gender-based violence, in particular, face threats, victim-blaming, and silencing tactics that discourage them from speaking out. For example, many women who share their experiences with harassment or assault online report receiving abusive comments, which can retraumatize survivors and deter others from joining the conversation.

To address these challenges, a multi-faceted approach is required:

  1. Platform Responsibility: Social media companies must take greater responsibility in moderating content. Implementing stricter policies against hate speech, increasing transparency in algorithm design, and promoting educational campaigns can create a safer online environment.
  2. Government Regulation: Governments can play a role in regulating online harassment by enacting and enforcing laws that protect individuals from cyberbullying, hate speech, and gendered abuse.
  3. Community Support: Encouraging online communities to support marginalized voices and report abusive behavior can help build a more inclusive digital space. Initiatives that celebrate positive narratives and allyship can shift othe nline discourse in a constructive direction.

Despite challenges posed by online harassment, and misinformation social media remains a vital tool for empowering people, allowing them to share their experiences and advocating for their rights. Ultimately, Its potential to unite people and challenge societal norms makes it essential for achieving gender equality.

 

References:

Transparency: The First Step to Fixing Social Media

How should social media platforms combat misinformation and hate speech?

 

Written by: Thrya Abdulraheem Motea Al-aqab

Edited by: Meigitaria Sanita