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Through Different Eyes: How Perspective Shapes Film Interpretation

Through Different Eyes: How Perspective Shapes Film Interpretation

No two people watch a film in the same way. Each viewer brings their own background, emotions, and beliefs into the experience. These factors act like filters that shape how we understand the story, its characters, and its meaning. Because of this, a film never has just one single interpretation. Instead, it becomes a space where different perspectives meet and create new understandings. This idea reflects the interpretation theory, which suggests that meaning depends not only on the creator but also on the audience who experiences the work.

For most viewers, personal experiences and age play an important role in how they interpret a film. A teenager might relate to a character’s struggle for independence, while an older person might focus on themes of memory or regret. Family films, for example, often work on multiple levels where children enjoy the humor and adventure, while adults notice the emotional depth or social message behind the story. These differences happen naturally because every viewer connects the story to their own life and emotions.

Film and Communication Students

Students who study film or communication approach movies with a more analytical perspective. They are trained to look at how films are made, how the camera moves, how lighting sets the mood, and how editing builds rhythm. They also understand concepts like mise-en-scène, sound design, and symbolism. When they watch a film, they can identify the director’s creative choices and interpret how these choices express ideas or emotions. Their understanding goes beyond the story itself; they see the film as a structured message built through visual and sound techniques.

Critics

Professional film critics view movies with both personal insight and a broad knowledge of cinema history and culture. They compare films with others, discuss how they contribute to society or the art form, and evaluate the quality of storytelling and production. While critics aim to be objective, their interpretations still reflect their own perspectives. Their reviews often influence how the public views a movie, showing how one person’s interpretation can shape others’ understanding.

Films are living works of art that change with every viewer. Whether it’s a casual audience member, a film student, or a critic, each person brings a different way of seeing. These perspectives remind us that a film’s meaning is not fixed, and it grows and transforms through the eyes and minds of those who watch it.

References

(n.d.). Reception theory – Wikipedia. Retrieved November 3, 2025, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reception_theory

Bordwell, D. (1989). Making meaning: inference and rhetoric in the interpretation of cinema. Harvard University Press.

 

Written by: Thrya Abdulraheem Motea Al-aqab

Edited by: Meigitaria Sanita

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6th Annual Workshop on Globalisation 2025: How Does Local Culture Fit into the Global Context in the Digital Age?

6th Annual Workshop on Globalisation 2025: How Does Local Culture Fit into the Global Context in the Digital Age?

Local culture is often considered conservative and outdated, but the digital age brings a different perspective. Although many believe that technology poses a threat to traditions and cultural heritage, in the right hands, the digital age presents a huge opportunity for the development of local culture.

This topic was discussed in the 6th Annual Workshop on Globalisation (AWG) programme, which focused on the topic From Local Culture to Global Connection: Multimedia and Communication in a Digital World. It was held on Wednesday, 29 October 2025, in the Auditorium Room on the 3rd floor of the Soekiman Wirasandjadja Building, UII.

In general, AWG is an annual programme held by the International Program, Department of Communications Science, UII. This time, there were three speakers who shared their insights with IPC 2022-2025 students and several students from the Faculty of Computing and Multimedia, University Poly-Tech Malaysia. Two of them were academics from Malaysia, and one was an alumnus of Communication Studies, UII, who specialises in a related field.

The event was opened by the Dean of the Faculty of Social and Cultural Sciences, UII, Nizamuddin Sadiq, S.Pd., M.Hum., Ph.D. He welcomed the guests from UPTM and conveyed a message of mutual collaboration for a bright future. “The AWG Annual Event is a platform where ideas, creativity, and collaboration from various countries come together. The relationship between Indonesia and Malaysia may sometimes be warm and at other times challenging, but as neighbours, we must always be kind, supportive, and cooperative. In Islam, it is said that a close neighbour is better than a distant relative, a principle we should embody to build a brighter future for our students,” he said.

The Dean of UPTM also expressed his hope that his visit to UII would provide him with new insights and perspectives from two interrelated cultures. UPTM even openly invited UII students and lecturers to collaborate. Several programmes offered include visiting lecturers, student exchanges, and several other programmes.

“Today, collaboration is more important than ever as it serves as a valuable way to strengthen partnerships. We have many ideas for future collaborations,” said Dr. Saifuddin Bin Haji Mohtaram.

“For next year, we would like to invite UII to join mobility programmes, conferences, and visiting lectures. Through these initiatives, we can continue to learn and share more kinds of knowledge as we expand together in this fast-changing environment,” he added.

From Local Culture to Global Connection: Multimedia and Communication in a Digital World

Moderated by UII Communication Science lecturer Ibnu Darmawan, S.I.Kom., M.I.Kom., the discussion explored how digital platforms open up enormous opportunities for cultural change. Not only do they emphasise innovation, but also challenges in management.

Three speakers from various fields of expertise presented diverse perspectives. Dr. Nadiah binti Yusof from the Faculty of Computing and Multimedia, UPTM, presented a theme entitled ‘Pattern Recognition in Songket Motifs to Explore Local Wisdom’. Linking local culture, especially songket motifs, to global connections in the digital world, she introduced in depth the subject of information retrieval in the context of information science.

‘The development of centralised databases and information retrieval systems has transformed user access to information. As technology advances, integrating diverse media forms such as audio, video, and graphics is crucial, enhancing user experience and enabling more dynamic exploration of information,’ she said.

‘Malaysia’s cultural heritage includes two types: tangible heritage, which consists of physical items such as graves and tombstones, and intangible heritage, which involves knowledge and skills expressed through oral traditions, customs, language, and textile arts. This study focuses on the intangible cultural heritage of textile arts, particularly songket motifs,’ he added.

Another interesting topic was Character Archetype, presented by Hafizz Al-Amirul bin Mohd Zanial from UPTM. With the case study of Upin & Ipin animation, the students seemed very enthusiastic and connected.

In general, Character Archetype is based on personal experiences and the shared culture of Indonesia and Malaysia. ‘The figures of Upin and Ipin, which reflect the collective behaviour and values of the people in the region, show how personal storytelling can strengthen the appeal of characters,’ he said.

In his explanation, Carl Jung introduced the concept of archetypes in 1919. According to Jung, archetypes are innate, universal patterns or models of thought and behaviour present in the collective unconscious.

The success of the Upin & Ipin animation is supported not only by technology but also by a deep understanding of specific characters and cultures. ‘The characters reflect values, identity, and cohesion that resonate deeply across Malaysian and regional audiences,’ he added.

The final material was presented by Bagoes Kresnawan, an alumnus of Communication Studies at UII who now works as a film director and content creator who explores local culture through cuisine. He also builds communities and brings authenticity to digital content.

‘My content isn’t the usual food review. I add a twist, a story, music, and thoughtful editing. Food Patrol is a documentary series about food, history, and people, short, calming, and impactful. I’m not chasing views or trends; I’m documenting stories that matter,’ said Bagoes.

He also added that the purpose of creating content is not just about viewer numbers. There is an idealism that is beautifully constructed. “I don’t chase views, I document stories. Food Patrol isn’t just about food, it’s about culture, history, and people,” he concluded.

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The 6th AWG ‘From Local Culture to Global Connection: Multimedia and Communication in A Digital World’

AWG

✨ The 6th AWG is here! ✨

The Annual Workshop on Globalization (AWG) 2025 is an annual global workshop that invites international speakers in particularly on global-related issues and up-to-date topics in communication perspective!

In this 6th AWG, we explore the topic of “From Local Culture to Global Connection: Multimedia and Communication in A Digital World” with guests ranging from academics to practitioners, offering insights that combine theory and practice. ✨

The event would be on:
Wednesday, 29 October 2025
3rd Floor Auditorium of the Faculty
08.00 – 12.00 ☝

This event is specially intended for IPC active students batch 2022 – 2025, so come aboard and let’s learn together!

See you there!

Meigitaria Sanita
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Integrating Culture and Sustainability: Summer Holiday Experience through UNESA Summer Camp, NUNI Student Camp, and ITroSCo 2025

Summer course

This experience was written by Thrya, a student from Yemen who joined IPC UII batch 2024. During the last semester break, she participated in an inspiring activity.

During my university holiday, I decided to spend my time differently by joining several international short courses that offered not only learning experiences but also meaningful connections. I participated in the NUNI Presidential Forum & Student Camp 2025 at Universitas Andalas in Padang, the UNESA Summer Camp 2025 in Surabaya, and the ITroSCo 2025 (International Tropical Summer Course) in Jepara. Each program had its own uniqueness, but all shared one common goal, which is promoting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and encouraging youth to take part in creating a better and more sustainable world.

The first program I joined was the NUNI Student Camp, which focused on innovation in food and agriculture, health and medicine, advanced materials and AI, and disaster risk mitigation to accelerate the achievement of the SDGs. I was honored to receive the Best Student Category Award during the Bridging Inauguration Night, an achievement that deeply motivated me to continue learning and sharing ideas with others. Throughout the camp, I collaborated with students from various Indonesian universities to discuss how young people can actively contribute to sustainability efforts. It was eye-opening to see how interdisciplinary collaboration can turn global goals into actionable ideas. I learned that meaningful change starts from our immediate environment and that youth engagement plays a vital role in making sustainability a shared responsibility.

Next, I joined the UNESA Summer Camp, a seven-day cultural and educational program designed to immerse international students in Indonesia’s cultural legacy and inclusivity. The program included exciting activities such as learning Bahasa Indonesia and local languages, inclusive education (including sign language), traditional sports and games, cooking Indonesian dishes, and city tours.

Beyond cultural exploration, the camp subtly linked every activity with values of inclusivity and sustainability. It was inspiring to see how cultural exchange can foster global understanding. I truly enjoyed meeting participants from diverse countries and backgrounds, which helped me appreciate how different cultures can unite under shared global missions.

The final program I joined was the International Tropical Summer Course (ITroSCo 2025) organized by Universitas Diponegoro. This program focused on Sustainable Aquaculture and Coastal Ecosystems — addressing environmental challenges while highlighting the importance of marine conservation and sustainable resource management. I had the chance to learn directly from experts and collaborate with international peers. The experience allowed me to see how local practices in coastal cities can connect with global efforts to protect our planet. It strengthened my passion for learning how environmental sustainability is being implemented in Indonesia and inspired me to explore how similar approaches could be applied in my own country.

Reflecting on these experiences, I feel grateful for the opportunity to learn beyond the classroom. Each short course taught me valuable lessons about leadership, teamwork, cultural understanding, and sustainability. What inspired me the most was seeing how Indonesia integrates the SDGs into higher education and youth programs, showing that universities play a crucial role in shaping global-minded, socially responsible youth. These experiences also deepened my passion for learning how other countries address global issues and how they connect local culture and innovation with sustainability in everyday life.

These short courses did more than just teach me about the SDGs; they showed me what it means to live them. They reminded me that every small action, when shared and multiplied, can create a lasting impact. I will carry these lessons with me as I continue to grow, connect, and contribute to a more sustainable and united world.

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How Digital Technology Shapes Our Modern Lives

How Digital Technology Shapes Our Modern Lives

Technology has become an inseparable part of human life. From the moment we wake up to the time we go to sleep, our days are surrounded by digital devices and online connections. This “digital lifestyle” has transformed how we communicate, learn, and even relax. As technology continues to evolve, it influences not only our habits but also the way humans function and how they interact across the globe.

The story of technology is one of continuous progress. From the invention of the wheel to the rise of the internet, every era has witnessed innovations that changed human life. The late 20th century marked a turning point with the introduction of personal computers and mobile phones, followed by the digital revolution of the 21st century. The emergence of the internet, social media, and artificial intelligence has made information and communication faster and easier than ever before. Today, technology connects people from different parts of the world in seconds, creating what many call a “global village.”

How Technology Shapes Our Lives

In modern society, digital technology affects almost every aspect of daily life. Communication has become instant through messaging apps and video calls. Education has moved beyond the classroom, with online learning platforms offering access to knowledge anytime and anywhere. Work has also changed to remote jobs, and digital collaboration tools allow teams to work together across continents. Moreover, the COVID-19 pandemic, as explained in Bonnie’s journal “The Influence of COVID-19 Pandemic on Technology,” showed how urgent and necessary technology became during that time. It was not just about new inventions, but about how circumstances forced people to adapt quickly and find digital solutions for work, study, and even the health sector. Its convenience and change could also bring challenges, such as screen addiction, job loss, and reduced face-to-face interactions. Still, technology remains a powerful tool that enhances creativity, productivity, and global connection.

The Future Potential of Digital Technology

The future of digital living holds endless possibilities. Artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and smart devices are expected to make life even more efficient and personalized. Smart homes will automate daily tasks, self-driving cars will change transportation, and digital health technologies will improve medical care. Yet, as technology advances, ethical questions about data use, job automation, and digital inequality will grow. The future challenge is to ensure that technology serves humanity positively rather than replacing it.

The digital age has transformed the way people live, think, and interact. From its early beginnings to its current state, technology has shaped a new lifestyle centered on connectivity and convenience. While it brings many benefits, it also requires responsibility and balance. As we look toward the future, embracing technology wisely will be key to building a more connected, innovative, and humane world.

References

Bunch, & A. Hellemans. (2013, April 2). A Brief Outline of the History of Technology. 1-13. https://web.engr.oregonstate.edu/~funkk/Courses/TGL/Resources/history_of_tech_v4.pdf

Clipper B. (2020, June 30). The Influence of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Technology: Adoption in Health Care. Nurse leader, 18(5), 500-503. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7324321/

Schwab, K. (2016). The Fourth Industrial Revolution. World Economic Forum. Retrieved October 16, 2025, from https://law.unimelb.edu.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0005/3385454/Schwab-The_Fourth_Industrial_Revolution_Klaus_S.pdf

Written by: Thrya Abdulraheem Motea Al-aqab

Edited by: Meigitaria Sanita

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Two IPC Students Win Third Place at the International Business Plan Competition Leading Scientific Fair 2025

Two IPC Students Win Third Place at the International Business Plan Competition Leading Scientific Fair 2025

Two IPC UII students won third place in the Leading Scientific Fair 2025 International Business Plan Competition. The competition, held on 11–12 October 2025 at the K.H.A Wahid Hasyim Building, UII, Nabila Aulia Zahra and Gadis Kurnia Khamba emerged as winners.

In the competition, the IPC UII team presented BridgeSkill, a web-based mentoring platform that connects retirees as mentors with UMKM owners. According to Nabila Aulia Zahra, this idea was inspired by her mother. This year, her mother retired, but her capacity allows her to facilitate UMKM players.

“I wanted to step out of my comfort zone, and my mother, because of this BridgeSkill idea, since my mother retired this year. I hope that one day this idea can be realised and be helpful, especially for retirees who still want to be productive and UMKMs that want to grow,” she said.

Similar to her teammate, Gadis Kurnia Khamba wanted to step out of her comfort zone and challenge herself by participating in this competition.

“My main motivation for joining this competition was to challenge myself to step out of my comfort zone and learn how to turn an abstract idea into a concrete, realistic business plan,” she said.

For both IPC Batch 2023 students, this competition was their first experience. They had no relevant experience whatsoever. However, they met the right mentor. One of the UII Communication Science lecturers, Ibnu Darmawan, S.I.Kom., M.I.Kom., was willing to guide them.

“Initially, I received several potential ideas from friends for mentoring this creative business plan project from Nabila and Gadis. From these many ideas, I began to select several options that seemed realistic and had great potential, considering that the key to a business idea is its feasibility. Especially if there are similar businesses already operating, this can be used as a benchmark to facilitate the preparation of the business flow,” said the UII Communication Science lecturer.

Ibnu Drmawan explained that the advantage of this idea is not only empowering the retiree community, but also helping the UMKM community, which is often constrained by funds to access professional business training or consultants.

After working hard for about a month to draft the proposal, Nabila and Gadis completed it. Their proposal, titled “Bridgeskill: Empowering Micro Small Medium Enterprises Through Expert Retiree Mentorship and Intergenerational Collaboration”, was accepted and placed them as finalists.

A few days later, based on the assessment of the proposal’s content, they advanced to the next stage, which was the idea presentation.

“We continued the mentorship for the presentation preparation. This time, we collaborated with Mrs. Lutviah, considering her expertise in English presentations. Unfortunately, due to various constraints, we could only conduct one rehearsal with very limited time,” added Ibnu Darmawan.

From this international competition experience, the participants gained many insights. In addition to establishing external relationships, they also understood how a business works.

“Of course, the relationships and advice from the judges to improve ourselves for future competitions,” said Nabila Aulia Zahra.

“This experience taught me a lot, even about aspects I had never considered before, like market research and revenue strategy. I gained a better understanding of how to build a business idea from scratch, collect supporting data, and prepare a presentation under tight deadlines. Since it was just me and one teammate, we really had to complement each other, split tasks wisely, and stay in sync even when things got hectic. It was definitely challenging, but it made me more confident and motivated to keep developing new ideas in the business field,” said Gadis Kurnia Khamba.

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The Bittersweet Side of Fast Fashion

Fast Fashion

There is nothing better than the feeling of owning a new outfit every week, but that excitement definitely comes with its own cost. The fast fashion industry produces clothes in massive quantities to meet ever-growing demand. Yet, at the point where its power expands, the harms begin to overlap with its benefits. This is where the bittersweet reality of fast fashion becomes clear. So, let’s dive deeper into both the bitter and sweet sides of this industry.

One of the most overlooked aspects of fast fashion is its severe environmental cost. From production to consumption, every stage of the process leaves a damaging footprint on the planet. The textile industry is the second-largest consumer of water in the world, using around 93 billion cubic meters annually—enough to meet the needs of five million people. The dyeing and treatment of fabrics account for 20% of global wastewater, often releasing toxic chemicals into rivers in countries with weak regulations. Cotton farming alone requires huge amounts of water and pesticides, which devastate local ecosystems. In terms of energy, the industry is responsible for about 10% of global carbon emissions, more than international flights and maritime shipping combined. 

On the consumer side, the culture of disposability makes the problem worse, with an estimated 85% of textiles ending up in landfills each year, where synthetic fibers release microplastics that pollute oceans and enter the food chain. The reality is that the affordability of fast fashion comes at a hidden cost, where one pays through polluted water, rising emissions, and long-term environmental damage.

Media and Online Influence on The Industry 

Another powerful driver of fast fashion’s growth is the influence of media and digital platforms. The fashion industry and media work hand in hand. While the industry provides a constant flow of new products, the media accelerates their visibility and demand. Social media, advertising, and influencers play a crucial role in setting trends that spread globally within hours, pushing consumers to buy not because of genuine need but because of the pressure to stay “in style.” This constant cycle shortens the lifespan of clothing, as what is fashionable today can quickly become outdated tomorrow. 

The Possibility of Change

Despite these challenges, the future of fashion does not have to remain bitter. Young consumers, especially Gen Z, are showing a growing interest in sustainable choices. Many are turning to thrifting, clothing options, and upcycling as alternatives to constantly buying new clothes. Others are more willing to support brands that are transparent about their production and use eco-friendly materials. 

Social media, while often fueling overconsumption, can also spread awareness and promote responsible trends when used positively. If more young people choose to value quality over quantity, and reuse rather than discard, they can shift demand and influence brands to adopt more sustainable practices. This shows that the sweet side of fast fashion lies in the possibility of change, led by conscious consumers.

Fast fashion is truly a bittersweet industry. While it offers affordability and easy access to trends, it also leaves behind deep environmental and social damage. Media and online platforms have fueled its rapid growth, but young people today have the power to slow it down and reshape it. The future of fashion depends on whether we choose short-term excitement or long-term sustainability.

References

Bick, R., Halsey, E., & Ekenga, C. C. (2018). The Global Environmental Injustice of Fast Fashion. Environmental Health, 17(1), 1–4. BMC. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12940-018-0433-7

Kontributor proyek Wikimedia. (2025, September 26). Fesyen cepat. Retrieved October 6, 2025, from Wikipedia.org website: https://id.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fesyen_cepat

Niinimäki, K. (2020, April). The environmental price of fast fashion. Retrieved from ResearchGate website: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/340635670_The_environmental_price_of_fast_fashion

Ren, X. (2023, February 7). Analysis on the Development of Fast Fashion- Based on the Influence of New Media. Retrieved from ResearchGate website: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/368369588_Analysis_on_the_Development_of_Fast_Fashion-_Based_on_the_Influence_of_New_Media

 

Written by: Thrya Abdulraheem Motea Al-aqab

Edited by: Meigitaria Sanita

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ACSS 2025: Workshop Series for IPC Students Batch 2025

ACSS 2025: Workshop Series for IPC Students Batch 2025

ACSS, which stands for Academic and Skills Study, is a welcoming program designed for new IPC students. It is an annual program aimed at preparing them to adapt to the new academic journey from high school to higher education. This year’s Academic Skills Study (ACSS) programme, themed Promoting Global Solidarity through Media and Communication, is an effort to address pressing global issues through communication science.

It was held on September 26, 2025, at the Soekiman Wirosandjojo Auditorium Building, 3rd Floor, UII. This programme had been deliberately prepared in response to global challenges such as natural disasters, climate change, social injustice, armed conflicts, and wars in various countries.

To support this objective, various workshops were held, with the hope that IPC batch 2025 students who participated would be able to understand the role of media and communication in various contexts. Among other things, how media and communication shape narratives and build intercultural understanding to the point of being able to drive positive action through information on various media platforms.

The following are various workshops full of insights for IPC batch 2025 students:

Workshop on Promoting Global Solidarity through Creative Writing

By Nadia Wasta Utami, S.I.Kom, M.A

Active as a lecturer and marketing director at UII, the speaker delivered material focusing on how people use social media to fulfil their needs for news, entertainment, connection, and personal validation. To take on this role, students were encouraged to focus on the understanding that social media is a space for daily activities and to actively produce content.

One of the purposes of producing content is to conduct social campaigns. In relation to the ACSS 2025 topic, the speaker mentioned that social media is a space to create movements. The goal is to learn how to create powerful content to achieve a specific objective, such as spreading a social campaign. There are four stages in the process of creating a powerful social media campaign, including understanding the brief, gaining the idea, creating a creative brief, and the idea development process.

‘When a story is relevant, people will listen; when an issue is relevant, people will act; when content is relevant, people engage. Like, comment, share, save,’ she said.

In this workshop, students were divided into three groups to produce social media campaign posters. They had to discuss current political issues that were viral and urgent to resolve. They had to clearly define their objective, goal, or target for the campaign.

Workshop Introduction to Academic Writing

By Iwan Awaludding Yusuf, Ph.D.

The workshop began with a reflective question to the students, ‘Why is academic writing important?’ The speaker explained that written words are considered the best way to convey ideas.

He also mentioned that ‘humans are natural researchers,’ meaning that humans naturally have a tendency or inclination to conduct research, make observations, and seek knowledge and new things. Humans always try to understand the reality around them to find answers in order to survive and adapt.

‘You can put your interest in academic writing. Write something you really enjoy. Write something that’s been bothering you or on your mind lately,’ he added.

Academic writing is a systematically structured piece of writing that follows a logical flow accepted by the scholarly community, is open to scrutiny, and is subject to testing for its validity.

After presenting the material, students were invited to discuss the use of AI. ‘Can we use AI for writing academic papers?’ Some students argued that using AI would lead to the possibility of plagiarism, while others believed it could be used to enhance the quality of the writing itself. After further discussion, the session ended with an individual writing activity that was instructed for them to review their overall understanding of the workshop material.

Alumni Sharing

By Arsila Khairunnisa, S.I.Kom.

Arsila is an IPC alumnus from the 2020 batch who became the best graduate of 2024 with a GPA of 4.0. She shared her story through a PowerPoint presentation titled ‘If I Could Start Again,’ recounting her struggles until graduation.

Despite being considered successful, she mentioned various decisions she regretted. She shared these regrets during the Alumni Sharing session. She said that before starting class, we must prepare ourselves in advance by reviewing tomorrow’s material for certain subjects. Never be absent from class activities so that we have a maximum understanding of the material. Involvement and effort are also necessary to continue to develop by starting several projects as a portfolio because we will use it to build our future careers.

‘You are always stronger than you think and more capable than you believe,’ said Arsila, offering motivation.

Arsila also provided several tips and tricks to maximise results and achieve perfect scores in studies. She also gave a brief explanation about passion and how to explore our true passion by taking advantage of opportunities and practising consistently, because passion is related to effort, not happiness.

Workshop From High School to Higher Education: Developing Resilience in a Changing World

By Wanadya Ayu Krishna Dewi, S.PSI, M.A.

This workshop was a session where students met with lecturers who are also psychologists from UII. The transition period from secondary school to university certainly requires adaptation skills. Some of the differences point to five things, namely academic expectations, time differences, high independence and responsibility, perspectives on presence and individual awareness, and being far from home and family.

‘No pain, no gain,’ she said.

‘No matter what challenges you have faced, in the future, have tawakkul in Allah, and trust your life in God’s hands, and no matter what path He has led you on, it will always be a good opportunity.’ She added.

Difficulties are faced with resilience, but that does not mean students should avoid stress; rather, it is about how we adapt. Resilience is important during transition because it protects mental health and well-being.

In this workshop, students were invited to do various activities, such as drawing the natural scenery they wanted. This is related to the growth of mindsets, namely fixed mindset and growth mindset. How students are invited to understand the process rather than the results.

Next, the students were divided into several groups with four people in each group. They discussed fixed mindsets and growth mindsets. ‘We don’t know any other way that can lead us to success.’ ‘I can still grow from my goals and must always be grateful for what has been given.’ ‘Be open to future opportunities.’ Another activity was resilience mapping, where each member shared one major challenge they had faced.

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ACSS 2025: Promoting Global Solidarity through Media and Communication

ACSS

The Academic Skills Study (ACSS) 2025 took the theme of Promoting Global Solidarity through Media and Communication. This agenda was held on September 26, 2025, at the Soekiman Wirosandjojo Auditorium Building, 3rd Floor, UII. This programme was a form of welcome for Students of IPC batch 2025.

Given the current unfavourable global conditions, this theme was chosen due to the ongoing global challenges, including natural disasters, climate change, social injustice, armed conflicts, and wars. These challenges have triggered inequality and division, necessitating global solidarity.

As Communication Science students, IPC students are invited to understand the role of media and communication in several contexts. These contexts include how media and communication shape narratives and build intercultural understanding. Second, promoting unity, inclusion, and empathy. Third, informing, inspiring, and driving positive action at the national and international levels.

The Head of the Communication Science Study Programme at UII, Dr. Zaki Habibi, M.Comms., had the opportunity to welcome new IPC UII students. He advised that this agenda was created to prepare students for their four-year study journey ahead.

“Pop up to your academic transcript, it is quite important for you to get ready with the skills and requirements needed for your future,” he said.

From the speech given by Dr. Zaki Habibi, several messages of hope for students of IPC batch 2025 included having a strong sense of togetherness and a clear direction in campus life, having a positive commitment to the world, and being able to use communication as a force for good in a global context.

To support all of this, the ACSS 2025 programme was carefully designed. Several workshops were conducted with the active involvement of students. These workshops included Promoting Global Solidarity through Creative Writing with facilitator Nadia Wasta Utami, S.I.Kom., M.A., who has experience in various campaigns, especially for all of UII’s official social media accounts.

Next was the Introduction to Academic Writing workshop by Iwan Awaluddin Yusuf, Ph.D. In this session, students were invited to understand something interesting and potentially worthy of academic writing. This was followed by a sharing session with IPC batch 2020 alumna Arsila Khairunnisa, S.I.Kom. She is the top graduate of 2024 with a GPA of 4.00, and she shared her experience in public speaking to inspire others. Finally, there was a motivational and mental preparation session entitled From High School to Higher Education: Developing Resilience in a Changing World by Wanadya Ayu Krishna Dewi, S.Psi., M.A., a lecturer and psychologist from the Faculty of Psychology at UII.

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How Does Social Media Play a Role in Raising the Issue of Solidarity?

How Does Social Media Play a Role in Raising the Issue of Solidarity?

Media has long shaped public opinion and collective behavior, but in the digital era, social media has become one of the most influential platforms in fostering solidarity. Unlike traditional media, social media enables interactive engagement, emotional expression, and a wide spread  of information, all of which contribute to collective awareness. As solidarity is a crucial element in uniting individuals for social causes, it is important to examine how social media facilitates it and where its limitations lie.

The media has always been central in raising social issues, but social media supports this process by allowing direct participation from individuals. It provides spaces for them to share stories, amplify marginalized voices, and create collective identities that support common issues. For example, movements like My Stealthy Freedom in Iran show how online spaces can create imagined solidarity, where people feel connected to a cause even without direct physical interaction. Social media thus serves as both a mirror and a motivator, shaping how solidarity is perceived and practiced.

How Social Media Facilitates Solidarity

Social media fosters solidarity by enabling rapid awareness, emotional connection, and organization of collective efforts. Hashtags, viral posts, and digital campaigns can mobilize support in ways traditional media cannot. Furthermore, global solidarity movements illustrate that social media allows activism to cross borders, creating new transnational advocacy networks. From climate activism to refugee support, digital platforms strengthen grassroots voices, but they also face challenges

Youth, Real-Life Application

Young people, in particular, are at the forefront of using social media for solidarity. In Indonesia, organizations like Indonesia untuk Kemanusiaan (IKa) have used digital campaigns to raise awareness and mobilize resources for gender-based violence issues. These cases highlight how online actions must be connected to offline engagement to sustain solidarity effectively.

As a Communication Science student, I believe it is important to recognize both the strengths and limitations of social media. While it is a powerful tool for mobilization and identity-building, its influence should be approached critically and strategically to avoid poor engagement. Logical and wise usage ensures that online solidarity translates into real, sustainable impact.

In conclusion, social media plays a vital role in raising the issue of solidarity by providing platforms for collective identity, emotional connection, and global mobilization.  To maximize its benefits, users and activists must focus not only on visibility but also on meaningful participation that bridges digital and physical action. 

References

Eni Maryani. (2018). Developing Social Solidarity through Digital Media. Jurnal Komunikasi Ikatan Sarjana Komunikasi Indonesia, 3(1). https://www.researchgate.net/publication/323495449_Developing_Social_Solidarity_through_Digital_Media

The role of social media in shaping solidarity and compassion fade. (2018). New media & society. https://pure.rug.nl/ws/portalfiles/portal/76614172/1461444818760819.pdf

Schultze, U., & Stewart, M. (2019). Producing solidarity in social media activism: The case of My Stealthy Freedom. ResearchGate, 29(3). https://www.researchgate.net/publication/333464651_Producing_solidarity_in_social_media_activism_The_case_of_My_Stealthy_Freedom