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The Influence of Social Media on Political Discourse

The Influence of Social Media on Political Discourse

In the digital era, social media has become one of the most influential platforms shaping political discourse and public opinion. Platforms such as Instagram, X, Facebook, and TikTok allow citizens to access political information instantly, express opinions freely, and participate in political discussions beyond traditional media boundaries. While social media strengthens democratic participation by enabling open dialogue, it also introduces challenges such as political polarization, misinformation, echo chambers, and legal issues. This article aims to examine how social media influences political discourses.

Social media significantly influences political discourse by changing how political messages are created, distributed, and consumed. Unlike traditional media, social media allows two-way communication, where users are not only passive audiences but also active content producers. Moreover, social media encourages rapid political engagement by enabling users to comment, share, and react to political content in real time. This participatory nature amplifies political narratives and allows diverse voices to enter public discussions. Additionally, in the context of Indonesia, the most recent mass demonstrations illustrate how social media enabled nationwide participation and solidarity around a single political issue, as citizens from different regions used platforms such as Instagram and TikTok to share information, mobilize support, and engage in online advocacy even if they were unable to attend the protests physically.

As well as, social media algorithms prioritize engaging content, often promoting emotionally charged political messages. As a result, political discourse becomes more dynamic but also more fragmented, as users are exposed to selective information aligned with their interests and beliefs.

The Impact of Social Media Influence on Political Discourse

The influence of social media has a profound impact on political discourse and public opinion. One major impact is political polarization, where individuals increasingly align with extreme viewpoints due to repeated exposure to similar opinions within echo chambers. It is known that algorithm-driven content curation limits exposure to opposing perspectives, reinforcing ideological divisions. In Indonesia, the impact of social media on political discourse is also closely linked to legal and ethical concerns, particularly UU ITE. While UU ITE aims to regulate online expression and prevent hate speech and misinformation, it has sparked debates about freedom of speech and digital democracy. Furthermore, the rapid spread of political content on social media can shape public opinion quickly, sometimes without sufficient fact-checking, increasing the risk of misinformation and public distrust.

The Role of Communication in Digital Political Discourse

Communication plays a crucial role in shaping how political messages are interpreted and understood in the digital sphere. Effective political communication requires clarity, ethical responsibility, and media literacy to ensure that information shared on social media contributes positively to public discourse. Communication strategies in social media must consider audience diversity, cultural context, and the persuasive power of digital narratives. Moreover, communication scholars emphasize the importance of critical thinking and dialogic communication to counter polarization and echo chambers. By encouraging open dialogue and respectful discussion, communication can function as a bridge that connects differing political perspectives and promotes democratic values in online spaces.

Social media has become a powerful force in shaping political discourse and public opinion in the contemporary era. While it enhances political participation and accessibility of information, it also contributes to challenges such as polarization, echo chambers, and legal tensions related to digital expression. The influence of social media on political discourse cannot be separated from the role of communication, which determines whether political interactions foster understanding or division. Therefore, strengthening ethical communication practices, media literacy, and inclusive dialogue is essential to ensure that social media serves as a constructive platform for democratic political discourse rather than a source of conflict and misinformation.

Reference

Afyare, A. a. A. (2025, February 19). The influence of social media on political discourse and public opinion. https://socialscienceresearch.org/index.php/GJHSS/article/view/104299

Saputra, A. F. (2024, June 30). The role of social media in building political discourse: Political Polarization, UU ITE and echo chambers. Saputra | IJTIHAD. https://journals.fasya.uinib.org/index.php/ijtihad/article/view/548

The Impact of social media on Political Discourse: A Multidisciplinary analysis. (2024). SSRN, 19. https://doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.4922479

Written by: Thrya Abdulraheem Motea Al-aqab

Edited by: Meigitaria Sanita

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Reality of Cyberbullying: Understanding Its Impact and Prevention

Reality of Cyberbullying: Understanding Its Impact and Prevention

Cyberbullying is a serious problem in today’s digital world. With the rise of social media and online communication, bullying no longer happens only in schools or public spaces. It can occur at any time through phones and online platforms, making it difficult for victims to escape. Cyberbullying is defined as the intentional and repeated use of digital media to harm others. It often involves a power imbalance, where the bully uses anonymity, popularity, or technical skills to control or intimidate the victim. Because people can hide behind screens, they may act more cruelly than they would in real life. Moreover, online content also spreads quickly and can stay online for a long time, increasing the harm caused.

Cyberbullying has unique characteristics that distinguish it from traditional bullying. One key feature is anonymity, which allows bullies to hide their identity and avoid immediate consequences. This often leads to repeated attacks, as they feel less accountable for their actions. Another important feature is permanence. Harmful messages, photos, or videos can be shared and reshared, making the damage long-lasting and difficult to control. Researchers commonly identify three elements of cyberbullying: intent to harm, repetition, and power imbalance. However, in online environments, repetition can occur even when a single post is shared multiple times by different users.

 Globally, these traits drive high prevalence; for instance, lifetime cyberbullying victimization among youth rose from 33.6% in 2016 to 58.2% by 2025, while past-30-day rates increased from 16.5% to 32.7%. A WHO study across 44 countries found 15% of adolescents (1 in 6) experienced cyberbullying (16% girls, 15% boys), up from 13% and 12% in 2018, while 12% admitted cyberbullying others (14% boys, 9% girls). It shows that cyberbullying is not simply offline bullying moved online, but a distinct form of aggression shaped by digital platforms and online culture. The 24/7 nature of the internet and the wide audience involved increase pressure on victims and blur the boundary between public and private spaces.

The Impact of Cyberbullying

Cyberbullying has serious psychological, social, and academic consequences. Victims often experience stress, anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. Because online attacks can happen at any time, victims may feel constantly threatened, which affects their emotional well-being. In more severe cases. Socially, victims may withdraw from friends and family to avoid embarrassment or further harm. Academically, emotional distress can lead to difficulty concentrating and lower academic performance. The impact is not limited to victims alone, but also to potential ones. Bystanders who frequently witness online harassment may become desensitized, allowing harmful behavior to continue. A long-term exposure to cyberbullying can also leave lasting psychological effects, especially among children and adolescents who are still developing emotionally.

Prevention of Cyberbullying

Cyberbullying is often underreported because victims fear being judged or believe that online abuse will not be taken seriously. Effective prevention requires cooperation between individuals, schools, families, online platforms, and policymakers. Education plays a central role by promoting digital literacy and teaching ethical online behavior. Schools can help students recognize cyberbullying and encourage them to report incidents safely. Parents should maintain open communication with children about their online activities while respecting privacy. At the platform level, social media companies need stronger moderation systems, clear reporting tools, and consistent consequences for abusive behavior. Legal measures and child protection policies also reinforce accountability and deter harmful actions.

From a communication perspective, prevention emphasizes transforming hostile online interactions into supportive dialogues through digital empathy training, where users learn to interpret emotional cues behind text and respond with compassion rather than aggression. This involves establishing clear communication norms, such as pausing before posting, using positive language, and fostering inclusive online communities that shift power dynamics from domination to mutual respect. When education, technology, and policy work together, safer online environments can be created.

Cyberbullying is a harmful result of how digital communication is used. Its constant and public nature makes it especially damaging. By understanding its nature, recognizing its impact, and working together on prevention, society can create safer and more respectful online spaces.

Reference

Kumar, V. L., & Goldstein, M. A. (2020). Cyberbullying and adolescents. Current Pediatrics Reports, 8(3), 86–92. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40124-020-00217-6

Slonje, R., Smith, P. K., & Frisén, A. (2012). The nature of cyberbullying, and strategies for prevention. Computers in Human Behavior, 29(1), 26–32. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chb.2012.05.024

World Health Organization: WHO. (2024, March 27). One in six school-aged children experiences cyberbullying, finds new WHO/Europe study. World Health Organization. https://www.who.int/europe/news/item/27-03-2024-one-in-six-school-aged-children-experiences-cyberbullying–finds-new-who-europe-study

Donegan, R. (2012). Bullying and Cyberbullying : History , Statistics , Law , Prevention and Analysis

Written by: Thrya Abdulraheem Motea Al-aqab

Edited by: Meigitaria Sanita

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Final Project Work by IPC Students Screened at ‘Festival Film Sangkareang’ at Local Cinema Mataram

Festival Film Sangkareang

Lalu Muhammad Lutfi Maududy, a student of the International Program Communication (IPC) at the Universitas Islam Indonesia, screened his final project film at the Festival Film Sangkareang at Local Cinema Mataram from 12 to 14 December 2025.

Through a long production process, the student, who was supervised by Dr. Zaki Habibi, M.Comms., registered his work for the festival. His film, entitled “Iron Bang of Culture”, was selected and screened at the Local Cinema Mataram. Festival Film Sangkareang is a space for young filmmakers in West Nusa Tenggara, and Dudy was eager to register so he wouldn’t miss out on the opportunity to continue improving his skills.

“Of course, it’s really exciting when our film is screened on the big screen, and we get to meet the audience. Especially since the film I made is about the culture of Lombok Island. Seeing the audience relate to the issues I raised made me even more enthusiastic,” said Dudy.

“Iron Bang of Culture” is a documentary that explores the culture of Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara. This idea did not come about by chance. As a student from the region, Dudy was aware that there was a culture shift, but he did not know what had changed. Through his documentary film, Dudy conducted research, observations, and direct interviews.

“Iron Bang of Culture” explains the game of gasing in Lombok, a traditional game played by the Sasak tribe. It has been played for generations as a means of entertainment, socialising, and even competition.

“The issue I most want to highlight is the cultural change in the digital era. Before the advent of social media and massive games like today, many people still played traditional spinning tops, but now it is increasingly rare to find them, especially since most of the players are elderly and it is very rare for children to play them,” he explained.

During the research process, Dudy said he spent three consecutive days travelling around Lombok. He searched for locations where traditional games are still played. He wanted to obtain detailed results through field observations.

“This spinning top game is no longer like it used to be, where you could find it on the side of the road,” he said.

For him, the production did not go as smoothly as initially expected. The challenges during the production process were quite a hindrance. For him, the research was too short, so a lot of new information was only obtained during the editing process. Nevertheless, qualifying for the Sangkareang Film Festival was a relief, as his work was enjoyed by a wide audience.

“From this final project, I feel that there are many things around us that can be raised as issues to be turned into visual works. My next plan is to make another film, because after making one film, I feel curious to make another,” he said.

At the Department of Communications Science, UII, various pathways are available to obtain a bachelor’s degree, including creative avenues such as film production, as pursued by Dudy. Through film, Dudy presents data through audio-visual means.

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The Work Explosion: Capitalism’s Imbalanced Demands on Labor

The Work Explosion Capitalism Imbalanced Demands on Labor

The work explosion refers to the rapid expansion and intensification of labor demands placed on workers within modern capitalist systems. It describes a condition in which employees are expected to work longer hours, perform multiple roles, and remain constantly available, often without fair compensation or adequate rest. Under capitalism, labor is primarily treated as an economic resource rather than a human activity with physical and mental limitations. Productivity is valued over well-being, resulting in an imbalance where workers devote more time, energy, and emotional effort, yet receive diminishing security and stability in return.

The Root Cause of This Issue 

This phenomenon is driven by several interconnected forces rooted in capitalism itself. Profit maximization pushes employers to extract as much labor as possible while minimizing costs, leading to understaffing and increased workloads. Job insecurity further intensifies this pressure, as this can be seen in journalism and digital media work, where short-term contracts and performance-based pay normalize excessive workloads.

Moreover, hustle culture glorifies overwork and frames exhaustion as success, encouraging individuals to internalize exploitation as personal ambition. At the same time,technological advancements, rather than reducing labor, have expanded it by blurring the boundaries between work and personal life through constant digital connectivity. Weak labor protections and insufficient enforcement of workers’ rights allow these conditions to persist with little accountability.

Its  Negative Outcome

The consequences of the work explosion are severe and far-reaching. One of the most significant impacts is the growing mental health crisis among workers, including burnout, anxiety, and depression caused by chronic stress and relentless performance expectations. Physical health also deteriorates as long working hours contribute to fatigue, sleep disorders, and long-term illness.

Economically, intensified labor does not translate into fair wages, instead deepening class inequality as profits accumulate at the top while workers struggle to meet basic needs. Socially, work–life balance erodes, reducing time for family, community, and personal development. Over time, labor becomes dehumanized, with workers valued solely for productivity rather than dignity or creativity.

The Need for Systemic Change

Addressing the work explosion requires a systemic path toward balance rather than individual coping strategies. Stronger labor policies are needed to regulate working hours, ensure fair wages, and protect workers from unpaid labor. Redefining productivity to prioritize sustainability and well-being over constant output is essential, as shorter workweeks and flexible arrangements can improve both efficiency and quality of life. Corporations must be held accountable for ethical labor practices, including realistic workloads and respect for personal boundaries. A broader cultural shift is also necessary to challenge hustle culture and recognize rest as a fundamental human need. Additionally, technology should be used ethically to reduce labor burdens instead of extending them, with clear limits on digital availability.

In conclusion, the work explosion is not an accidental side effect of capitalism but a structural outcome of a system that prioritizes profit over people. As critiques like Joanna Castaneda’s demonstrate, capitalism exploits both the labor and mental health of the working class by normalizing excessive work and framing burnout as individual failure. Without meaningful reform, these imbalances will continue to deepen inequality and harm workers’ well-being. Creating a fair and sustainable labor system requires collective action, policy change, and a redefinition of success that places human dignity at its core.

Reference

Castaneda, J. (n.d.). The downfall of capitalism: its exploitation of mental health and the working class. SJSU ScholarWorks. https://scholarworks.sjsu.edu/themis/vol11/iss1/4/

Wikipedia contributors. (2025, November 2). Exploitation of labour. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Exploitation_of_labour

Atri, Geetanjali. (2022). Unit-12 Capitalism and Exploitation. egyankosh. http://egyankosh.ac.in//handle/123456789/89331

Written by: Thrya Abdulraheem Motea Al-aqab

Edited by: Meigitaria Sanita

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Quantifying the Subjective: Measuring Perception in Quantitative Research

Quantifying the Subjective: Measuring Perception in Quantitative Research

Perception describes how people interpret experiences, messages, or environments, making it naturally subjective and difficult to measure. Surveys address this challenge by using standardized questions that allow responses to be compared across many participants. According to Ponto’s journal on Understanding and Evaluating Survey Research, surveys are especially useful for describing attitudes and behaviors when researchers use representative samples and valid measurement tools. Also emphasizes that perceptions are often complex and should be measured using multiple questions rather than single items. Together, these perspectives show how surveys convert personal feelings into numerical values that can be analyzed statistically and applied in areas such as education, policy, and marketing.

Key Methods for Measuring Perception

Quantitative perception studies rely on structured survey tools that produce numerical results. One of the most common methods is the Likert scale, which asks respondents to rate their agreement with statements on a fixed scale (such as 1–5 ). Another method is the semantic differential scale, which measures attitudes using opposite word pairs like “safe–unsafe” or “effective–ineffective.”It is also highlighted that the importance of reliability, meaning consistent results across time, is often measured using Cronbach’s alpha. Validity is equally important, ensuring that survey items truly measure the intended perception. Moreover, it strongly supports using multiple items for each perception to reduce errors and capture more detail. These techniques allow researchers to express perceptions as measurable scores, making them useful for analysis and decision-making.

Survey Design and Sampling

Good survey design is essential for accurate results that outline several key steps: clearly define research goals, write neutral and clear questions, pilot test the survey, and select a representative sample using random or stratified sampling methods. Closed-ended questions are preferred because they are easier to analyze quantitatively. Sampling problems, such as low response rates, can affect results and should be addressed through reminders or incentives. Perception surveys should also consider cultural differences, especially in international research, and avoid language that could be misunderstood. Quantitative research, as well, requires sufficiently large samples to ensure reliable results and detailed reporting of participant demographics. Careful design helps avoid bias and improves the credibility of findings.

Data Analysis, Challenges, and Evaluation

After data collection, researchers analyze perception data using statistical techniques. Where factor analysis helps identify underlying dimensions of perception, while regression analysis examines how perceptions influence outcomes such as behavior or decision-making. But it has challenges, such as social desirability bias and varying interpretations of survey questions. These issues can be reduced by ensuring clarity and testing survey items before full distribution. Evaluation standards require researchers to report sample size, response rates, reliability measures, and study limitations clearly. This transparency strengthens the trustworthiness of survey-based perception research.

Survey research, as explained by Ponto,  offers a powerful and reliable way to measure perception in quantitative studies. By using validated scales, thoughtful sampling, and direct analysis, researchers can turn subjective experiences into meaningful data. With continued advances in digital survey tools, quantitative perception research can also remain a key method for producing evidence-based insights across many fields.

Reference

Clifton, K., & Carrasco, J. A. (2018). Workshop Synthesis: Measuring attitudes and perceptions in quantitative surveys. Transportation Research Procedia, 32, 495–500. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.trpro.2018.10.040

DeCarlo, M., Cummings, C., & Agnelli, K. (2021, August 23). 11. Quantitative measurement. Graduate Research Methods in Social Work. https://pressbooks.library.vcu.edu/mswresearch/chapter/11-quantitative-measurement/

Ponto, J. (2015, March 1). Understanding and evaluating survey research. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4601897/

 

Written by: Thrya Abdulraheem Motea Al-aqab

Edited by: Meigitaria Sanita

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UII IPC Student Triumphs at SAHARA 2025 After Back-to-Back Arabic Speech Wins

UII IPC Student Triumphs at SAHARA 2025 After Back-to-Back Arabic Speech Wins

One of the students of the International Program Communication (IPC) UII had achieved consecutive successes in Arabic Speech in the last two months. He is Arif Ardiansyah from the 2025 batch, who most recently won first place in Arabic Speech at the “Semarak Apresiasi Khazanah Arab” competition or SEMARAK 2025.

This national competition was held on 9 December 2025 at UIN Sunan Gunung Djati Bandung. Last November, Arif was the First Runner-Up in the Southeast Asian Arabic Public Speech competition, Khitobah Al Arabiyah, held at UIN Malang.

Winning first place this time was a precious moment. Arif said he learned a lot from the previous competition. He evaluated his previous performance and improved it for the SAHARA 2025 competition.

“I evaluated my shortcomings from the previous Arabic speech competition in Malang, where I won 1st Runner-Up at the Southeast Asian level with a score of 188 (only 2 points different from 3rd place). This experience motivated me to practice harder, build confidence when performing, and have a strong mindset to be a champion,” he said.

With little time to spare, he prepared briefly and even wrote his speech text just three days before the competition. Nevertheless, he tried his best. “The main challenge was the short preparation time. The speech text was only finished and collected on 5th December, while the competition was held on 9th December. The remaining three days included travelling from Yogyakarta to Bandung by train,” he added.

For him, being a student is a valuable and challenging journey. Not wanting to waste opportunities, Arif admitted that he always tried his best and evaluated himself to achieve maximum results.

“True victory is not the end of the journey, but the fruit of honest self-evaluation and tireless hard work. Keep learning from every experience, because that is where the key to sustainable success lies,” he said.

This achievement is certainly a source of pride for the Department of Communications Science and an inspiration for students to pursue their dreams and achieve excellence.

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Mahasiswa Ilmu Komunikasi UII Lolos i-SEA Fellowship Programme di NTU Singapura

influence for Impact in Southeast Asia

Setelah melewati seleksi panjang, Harry Setya Kurnia Nugraha mahasiswa Ilmu Komunikasi UII angkatan 2022 berhasil lolos dalam influence for Impact in Southeast Asia (i-SEA) Fellowship Pragramme yang diselenggarakan oleh Centre for Information Integrity and the Internet (IN-cube), Nanyang Technological University. Oktober lalu ia dinyatakan lolos dan berhak menjalani program sejak 15 November hingga 13 Desember 2025.

Berdasarkan informasi yang dibagikan oleh i-SEA di laman NTU lebih dari 450 pendaftar dari negara-negara ASEAN. Dari Indonesia terdapat tiga peserta, termasuk Harry Setya yang menjadi satu-satunya perwakilan UII.

“Menurut aku proses seleksinya sangat kompetitif. Program ini menerima lebih dari 450 pendaftar dari Asia Tenggara, dan hanya 3 mahasiswa dari Indonesia dipilih sebagai fellows,” ucap Harry Setya.

i-SEA Fellowship Programme merupakan program hibrida satu bulan yang didesain untuk memberikan bekal pada peserta terpilih dengan pengetahuan dan keterampilan untuk menjadi kreator konten digital yang etis dan berdampak. Beberapa topik yang diperoleh dalam program ini antara lain Online Harms and Misinformation, Media Law and Ethics, AI, in Storytelling, dan Immersive Journalism and Hackton Challenges.

Pengalaman berharga didapatkan oleh Harry, setalah menjalankan online sessions pada 15 November hingga 4 Desember seluruh peserta terpilih berkesempatan mengikuti in-person programme di Singapura pad 7 hingga 13 Desember 2025.

“Selama tiga minggu pertama, kami mengikuti online masterclasses bersama profesor, peneliti media, jurnalis, fact-checkers, pakar teknologi, dan influencer. Minggu terakhir difokuskan pada hackathon, di mana kami merancang solusi terkait information integrity di Asia Tenggara. Tak lupa kami juga berkunjung ke kantor Tiktok Singapore, SPH Media, dan Media corp. Dimana media media ini merupakan media besar di Singapura,” jelasnya.

Urgensi i-SEA Fellowship bagi Mahasiswa Ilmu Komunikasi

Bagi Harry Setya, i-SEA Fellowship begitu relevan dengan kajian Ilmu Komunikasi yang selama ini ia pelajari. Berbagai materi dalam i-SEA Fellowship fokus pada produksi pesan, penyebaran peesan, hingga bagaimana memperoleh kepercayaan publik di ruang digital.

“Pengalaman ini membuat aku paham bahwa komunikasi tidak cukup hanya mengejar viralitas, tetapi harus mempertimbangkan etika dan dampak jerhadap kepercayaan publik,” ucap Harry Setya.

Selain ilmu berharga, membangun relasi dalam lingkungan global menjadi privilege peserta i-SEA Fellowship. Ia secara aktif berdiskusi dengan mahasiswa dari berbagai negara, tak hanya itu sebagai student content creator ia juga mendapat banyak insight soal ide.

“Aku membangun relasi mungkin dengan aktif berdiskusi, Kolaborasi ide dan konten bareng fellows, dan terbuka terhadap perbedaan perspektif budaya. Menurutku interaksi ku dengan mahasiswa internasional melatih saya untuk beradu gagasan dan berpikir secara global,” tambahnya.

Baginya program ini cukup menantang secara intelektual dan akademik. Ia belajar keluar dari zona nyaman, berdiskusi dengan standar global, dan menerima saran serta kritik terhadap argument yang dilontarkan kepada publik.

Lolos dan menjadi peserta baginya memang tidak mudah, ia berbagi rahasia bahwa keberhasilannya adalah dengan menciptakan esai berkualitas dengan isu yang spesifik.

“Seleksi dilakukan berdasarkan kualitas esai tentang isu misinformasi dan integritas informasi., allighment statement, serta rekam jejak sebagai student content creator,” tandasnya.

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Natural Disasters in Sumatra and the Urgency for a Change 

Natural Disasters in Sumatra and the Urgency for a Change

Indonesia ranks among the world’s most disaster-prone nations because of its location on the Pacific Ring of Fire and its tropical climate, which trigger frequent earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, floods, landslides, and forest fires. Over the past 15 years, these events have caused more than $16.8 billion in economic losses, with the 2004 Aceh tsunami alone killing thousands of people in the country. Climate change, rapid urbanization, and environmental degradation intensify these disasters, turning them from occasional threats into regular crises that endanger lives, destroy livelihoods, and challenge national stability.

The Current Situation in Sumatra and Its Victims

In late 2025, catastrophic floods and landslides devastated Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra due to cyclone-driven heavy rains that overwhelmed rivers and triggered widespread destruction. By December 13, 2025, Indonesia’s National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) confirmed 1,006 deaths all around Sumatra, as well as thousands of people being displaced and hundreds still missing.

More than 158,000 homes, 1,002 public facilities, stripping victims of shelter and income sources like farms and small businesses, while vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and low-income families face further hardship from the lack of clean water, healthcare, and safe shelters

Causes of the Disaster

Natural factors like heavy rainfall contribute, but human actions amplify the devastation in Sumatra. Deforestation for palm oil plantations and illegal logging has stripped upper watersheds, slashing the land’s capacity to absorb water and heightening flood and landslide risks. West Sumatra alone lost 32,000 hectares of forest in 2024, much of it cleared for oil palm on steep Bukit Barisan slopes, while 1.5 million hectares across Sumatra now support plantations that erode natural barriers against runoff. Peatland destruction worsens the picture, with less than 4% of peatlands remaining as pristine forest and over 20% degraded into fire-prone shrublands, fueling haze that spreads regionally

The Role of Risk Communication

Risk communication plays a pivotal role in mitigating Sumatra’s disasters by delivering clear, timely information on risks, early warnings, evacuation steps, and aid to at-risk communities. Yet gaps persist, especially in rural areas where language distrust of authorities, limited media access, and damaged infrastructure block vital messages from reaching people in time.

Effective strategies must engage local communities through culturally tailored messages across diverse channels, including social media, trusted leaders, and traditional methods, to build trust and enable proactive responses.

Indonesia’s disaster vulnerability emerges from geography, environmental mismanagement, and communication shortcomings, with Sumatra’s 2025 floods exemplifying how deforestation escalates human suffering and weak messaging heightens risks. Tackling these demands needs environmental policies, sustainable practices, and advanced risk communication that empowers communities to prepare, respond, and recover effectively. Through such integrated efforts, Indonesia can manage disaster tolls and foster long-term resilience.

Rereference 

Kryspin-Watson, J. G. S. Z. Y. J. (n.d.). Strengthening the disaster resilience of Indonesian cities : A policy note. World Bank. https://documents.worldbank.org/en/publication/documents-reports/documentdetail/748581569515561529

McCready, A. (2025, November 29). Indonesia death toll rises to 303 after catastrophic flooding in Sumatra. Al Jazeera. https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/11/29/indonesia-death-toll-rises-to-248-after-catastrophic-flooding-in-sumatra

Miettinen, J., & Liew, S. C. (2010). Status of peatland degradation and development in Sumatra and Kalimantan. AMBIO, 39(5–6), 394–401. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13280-010-0051-2

Salma. (2025, December 2). UGM expert: Severe Sumatra flash floods driven by upper watershed forest degradation. Universitas Gadjah Mada. https://ugm.ac.id/en/news/ugm-expert-severe-sumatra-flash-floods-driven-by-upper-watershed-forest-degradation/

Topic: Natural disasters in Indonesia. (2025, December 17). Statista. https://www.statista.com/topics/8305/natural-disasters-in-indonesia/#topicOverview

Initiative, H. (2025). Situation Report #8 – Floods and landslides in Aceh Province, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra – Thursday, 13 December 2025. In ReliefWeb. https://reliefweb.int/report/indonesia/situation-report-8-floods-and-landslides-aceh-province-north-sumatra-and-west-sumatra-thursday-13-december-2025

 

Written by: Thrya Abdulraheem Motea Al-aqab

Edited by: Meigitaria Sanita

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Why Students Should Join ISCDC  or Similar Program

Why Students Should Join ISCDC 

ISCDC 2025 is a seven-day interdisciplinary program that brought together 70 students and staff from Universitas Islam Indonesia with participants from various faculties at Universiti Utara Malaysia. Held at UUM in Sintok, Kedah, the event created a dynamic space for cultural exchange, creative collaboration, and academic development. The program featured four main competition categories: essay writing, reel challenge, cooking, and poster design, each designed to showcase participants’ creativity and analytical skills. Its purpose was to strengthen institutional partnerships between UUM and UII, enrich interdisciplinary learning through cultural immersion, and develop students’ abilities in research, writing, multimedia production, design, and culinary arts, while highlighting Alor Setar’s cultural richness as a reflection of ASEAN values. Managed by UUM’s SCIMPA, SOIS, and STHEM, the event combined several activities, academic mentoring, student buddies support, and cultural performances.

Within this program, I participated in an interdisciplinary competition as part of a six-member group, and our teamwork played a crucial role in our success. We collaborated across all categories but divided tasks according to our individual strengths, ensuring that each member could contribute effectively. As a Communication student, I focused mainly on the poster design category alongside one of my other teammates, while also supporting others in preparing their essay and reel competition entries. This shared effort not only strengthened our group dynamics but also improved the quality of our work. Our combined effort resulted in a rewarding outcome, as we won third place in both the Reel Challenge and the Essay Competition, which made the overall experience motivating and memorable.

Participating in such competitions that align with a student’s academic background is important because it helps strengthen confidence and deepen one’s skills in a meaningful way. When students choose categories that match their interests—such as communication students working on posters or international relations students focusing on essays—they feel more motivated, engaged, and capable. This alignment allows them to apply what they learn in class to real projects, think more creatively, and improve at a faster pace. Even without winning, the process itself becomes valuable, as it directly supports their academic development and future career path.

Equally important is joining programs like ISCDC, which offer learning experiences that cannot be gained from classroom lessons alone. Traveling to a new environment, observing different cultures, and interacting with people from diverse backgrounds make learning more vivid and meaningful. Students gain a deeper understanding of communication, identity, and cultural dynamics simply by being present and noticing how people behave and live. These programs also help students grow personally by teaching them how to work in teams, manage time, handle pressure, and adapt to unfamiliar situations. Through collaboration and cultural immersion, students return with new perspectives, stronger skills, and greater confidence that benefits both their academic journey and future professional opportunities.

 In the end, for any student who pushes themselves to join such programs, just know that it will be a meaningful step that you take toward becoming more mature, more skilled, and more confident. It is an experience that will stay with you long after the competition or program ends, because it will teach you lessons that continue to shape your academic and personal journey.

Written by: Thrya Abdulraheem Motea Al-aqab

Edited by: Meigitaria Sanita

 

Meigitaria Sanita
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Cultural Dimensions Through The Perspective of Edward Hall

Edward Hall

Intercultural communication refers to the process through which people from different cultural backgrounds interact, exchange ideas, and create shared meaning. As globalization expands, understanding cultural differences has become essential for reducing misunderstandings and improving cooperation. One of the most influential scholars in this field is Edward T. Hall, whose work in the mid-20th century introduced key concepts about how culture shapes communication, from an anthropological perspective.

Hall’s ideas remain central today and are supported by modern research, which highlights how cultural dimensions continue to influence communication styles in everyday interactions. This essay explores three of Hall’s major dimensions: time context, space context, and high- vs. low-context.

Communication Context

Hall’s explanation of high- and low-context communication describes how cultures differ in the amount of information that must be explicitly spoken versus understood through shared background, tone, or gestures. This concept became clearer when I discussed it with my Moroccan friend, who described Morocco as a high-context culture but also emphasized that people communicate in a “direct, cold, and clear” manner. Her observation shows that high-context communication does not always mean softness or indirectness; instead, meaning often lies in shared norms, emotional tone, and nonverbal signals. She further explained that feedback becomes more subtle when the relationship is close, revealing how interpersonal closeness influences how messages are delivered.

When studying in Indonesia, she experienced this dimension differently during a group project. She preferred clear and direct instructions for efficiency, while her Indonesian classmates relied on softer and more implied forms of communication. This contrast reflects how both Morocco and Indonesia are high-context cultures but express this in different ways: Morocco places emphasis on direct clarity supported by context, while Indonesia emphasizes harmony and indirectness. Through her experience, Hall’s concept becomes practical, showing how cultural expectations shape classroom communication among international students.

Time Orientation

Hall’s distinction between monochronic and polychronic time patterns explains how cultures view scheduling, multitasking, and punctuality. This idea was reflected very clearly in my conversation with my Pakistani friend, who described Pakistan as generally flexible with time. She mentioned that “time isn’t that important, but people won’t be extremely late,” which fits with a polychronic orientation that values relationships, allows multitasking, and treats schedules more flexibly.

She also noted that people often manage several tasks at once without seeing it as a problem. When she compared this with her experience living in Jogja, she felt that daily life in Indonesia is “much slower” than what she is used to. This difference shows how Indonesia also operates with a relaxed time rhythm. Her description helps demonstrate how Hall’s time dimension operates in real life: international students must adjust not only to academic deadlines but also to the general pace of life and people’s expectations of punctuality. The contrast between Pakistan’s polychronic flow and Indonesia’s slower relationship-centered rhythm highlights how time becomes a cultural message that shapes daily behavior.

Space and Contact

Hall’s dimension of space and contact examines how cultures use physical distance, touch, and expressiveness when communicating, and this was strongly reflected in the experiences shared by my Yemeni friend. She explained that in Yemen, people tend to be a high-contact culture, where expressive gestures, emotional tone, and closer physical distance are common, especially with family and friends. She also mentioned that people adjust their expressiveness based on familiarity, which shows how personal relationships influence spatial behavior.

Her experience in Indonesia highlighted a different pattern: she noticed that Indonesians generally prefer low-contact communication, using gentle tone, soft gestures, and polite physical distance. She found herself needing to reduce her expressiveness to match the comfort level of her Indonesian classmates. This shift demonstrates how space and contact operate differently across cultures and how international students naturally adjust their behavior to avoid misunderstandings. Through her comparison, Hall’s concept becomes visible in daily life, revealing the contrast between Yemen’s expressive interpersonal style and Indonesia’s reserved, low-contact approach.

Edward Hall’s intercultural dimension provides a useful framework for understanding how culture shapes communication. Recognizing these dimensions helps individuals navigate multicultural environments with greater awareness, reducing misunderstanding and encouraging more effective communication. Understanding these patterns also highlights a key conclusion: communication is never only about words. It is shaped by time, space, tone, and cultural expectations in which all is influenced by how messages are sent, received, and interpreted across cultures.

Reference:

Layes, G. (2010). 1.4 Cultural dimensions. In Vandenhoeck & Ruprecht eBooks (pp. 53–64). https://doi.org/10.13109/9783666403279.53

Kittler, M. G., Rygl, D., & Mackinnon, A. (2011). Special Review Article: Beyond culture or beyond control? Reviewing the use of Hall’s high-/low-context concept. International Journal of Cross Cultural Management, 11(1), 63–82. https://doi.org/10.1177/1470595811398797

 

Written by: Thrya Abdulraheem Motea Al-aqab

Edited by: Meigitaria Sanita