Tag Archive for: ilmu komunikasi

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Transforming Yourself Through Reading: Insights From Three Remarkable Books

Transforming Yourself Through Reading: Insights From Three Remarkable Books

In the realm of self-development, reading is an invaluable tool for personal growth, effective communication, and public speaking. Books offer timeless wisdom and practical strategies that reshape our habits, enhance our interpersonal skills, and help us overcome mental obstacles. Reading a book is like embarking on a thrilling journey through the minds of brilliant thinkers, offering the chance to unlock new perspectives, gain knowledge, and have a spark of endless possibilities within yourself.

This article will explore three insightful books: “Atomic Habits” by James Clear, “Why Has Nobody Told Me This Before?” by Julie Smith, and “Surrounded by Idiots” by Thomas Erikson. Each of these books provides transformative lessons to help individuals thrive in their personal and professional lives. We will also discuss the broader significance of reading for personal growth, particularly for university students.

Atomic Habits

Clear’s Atomic Habits emphasizes the power of small, consistent changes to create lasting improvements in our lives. The book introduces the concept of habit stacking and the “4 Laws of Behaviour Change,” which guide readers to make habits obvious, attractive, easy, and satisfying.

Key insights:

The Compound Effect: Tiny, unnoticeable changes compound over time, leading to remarkable transformations.

Identity-Based Habits: Focusing on who you want to become (e.g. a confident speaker) rather than what you want to achieve ensures sustained progress.

Real-life Application: By aligning habits with goals, one can gradually and effectively enhance skills like public speaking and communication.

 Why Has Nobody Told Me This Before

Dr. Julie Smith’s Why Has Nobody Told Me This Before? offers practical psychological strategies to tackle mental health challenges and develop resilience. It’s an accessible guide to understanding emotions and maintaining mental well-being.

Key insights:

Emotional Mastery: Learning to regulate emotions can significantly improve interpersonal communication and clarity of thought.

Building Confidence: Tools for overcoming self-doubt and imposter syndrome are crucial for public speaking and professional success.

Practical Tools: The book provides actionable advice for staying grounded, managing anxiety, and communicating effectively under pressure.

Surrounded by Idiots

In Surrounded by Idiots, Thomas Erikson examines four personality types—Red, Blue, Yellow, and Green—and their influence on communication and relationships. The book clarifies human behaviour  and teaches how to adjust communication styles to suit different personalities.

Key Insights:

Personality Types: Understanding the strengths, weaknesses, and preferences associated with each personality type promotes effective collaboration.

Tailored Communication: Modifying your message to align with the listener’s personality enhances understanding and connection, which is essential for public speaking.

Conflict Resolution: The book offers strategies for resolving misunderstandings and building stronger relationships in both personal and professional contexts.

Reading is a cornerstone of personal growth, offering knowledge, inspiration, and new perspectives. For university students, it is particularly vital as it shapes their academic and professional futures. Through reading, students can develop critical thinking, enhance their communication skills, and build self-confidence. In today’s competitive environment, university students who prioritize reading not only gain a competitive edge but also develop the emotional intelligence and adaptability needed to excel in their careers and relationships.

These three books—Atomic Habits, Why Has Nobody Told Me This Before?, and Surrounded by Idiots—offer simple yet powerful tools for personal growth. They teach better habits, emotional resilience, and effective communication. Reading is a key to lifelong learning, and for university students, it’s an essential step toward success in life and work. Start your journey today with these transformative reads!

 

Written by: Thrya Abdulraheem Motea Al-aqab

Edited by: Meigitaria Sanita

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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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Jurnal Mahasiswa Komunikasi Cantrik Terakreditasi Sinta 4, Artikel Semakin Berkualitas

Jurnal Mahasiswa Komunikasi Cantrik

Jurnal Mahasiswa Komunikasi Cantrik yang dikelola Prodi Ilmu Komunikasi Universitas Islam Indonesia (UII) meraih akreditasi Sinta 4.

Berdasarkan Keputusan Kementerian Pendidikan, Kebudayaan, Riset, dan Teknologi nomor 177/E/KPT/2024 pada 15 Oktober 2024, Jurnal Mahasiswa Cantrik dengan EISSN 28072499 meraih “Akreditasi Baru Peringkat 4 mulai Volume 1 Nomor 2 Tahun 2021 sampai Volume 6 Nomor 1 Tahun 2026”.

Melalui proses panjang, Puji Rianto, S.IP., M.A, selaku Editor in Chief menyebutkan proses dan usaha yang dilakukan untuk mencapai titik ini. Demi melancarkan proses akreditasi, usaha yang dilakukan salah satunya melaksanakan workshop untuk para pengelola jurnal.

“Ikhtiar pertama yang terpenting adalah mempelajari dengan sebaik mungkin syarat akreditasi jurnal. Untuk itu, kami melakukan serangkaian workshop untuk memahami dengan baik syarat dan proses akreditasi agar sesuai standar akreditasi Sinta,” ujarnya.

Lebih lanjut, dalam proses peningkatan akreditasi dua hal yang tak boleh luput adalah manajemen dan substansi. Artikel diseleksi secara ketat agar reputasi jurnal tetap terjaga.

“Pada dasarnya, akreditasi mencakup dua hal, manajemen dan substansi. Untuk manajemen, kami pastikan bahwa artikel diproses dengan baik sesuai standar. Artikel yang publish pasti melalui double blind review dan revisi. Tata letak juga kami perbaiki agar tampilannya lebih bagus. Dari sisi substansi, kami jaga melalui proses di editor. Mereka memastiksn bahwa artikel telah ditulis sesuai dengan standar penulisan ilmiah,” tambahnya.

Cakupan dan Kualitas Artikel

Fokus isu pada Jurnal Mahasiswa Komunikasi Cantrik meliputi Kajian Media, Komunikasi Massa dan Jurnalisme, Public Relation dan Komunikasi Strategis, dan Media Kreatif. Jurnal ini secara konsisten terbit dua kali dalam satu tahun yakni bulan Mei dan November.

Jika sebelumnya jurnal ini menjadi wadah publikasi riset yang dilakukan mahasiswa, setelah naik tingkat ke Sinta 4 harapannya artikel yang diterbitkan semakin berkualitas dan cakupannya lebih luas.

“Sebelum akreditasi, artikel yang masuk terbatas sehingga pilihannya juga terbatas. Setelah terakreditasi, kami berharap artikel yang masuk semakin banyak sehingga pilihannya juga semakin variatif. Secara otomatis, kualitas artikel seharusnya semakin meningkat,” ujar Puji Rianto, S.IP., M.A.

Sebagai informasi Sinta merupakan Science and Technology Index, merupakan laman atau database yang dikelola Kemendikbud Ristek yang menyajikan jurnal nasional terakreditasi.

Sementara, pada tingkatan jurnal Sinta mencakup 6 tingkatan. Mulai yang tertinggi Sinta 1, Sinta 2, Sinta 3, Sinta 4, Sinta 5, dan Sinta 6.

Menerbitkan artikel ke jurnal bereputasi sangat penting bagi mahasiswa maupun dosen, salah satunya untuk berbagai prasyarat kelulusan hingga berpengaruh terhadap angka kredit pengajuan jabatan fungsional.

Terkait cara menerbitkan artikel ke jurnal berpeutasi dapat membaca tips dan trik pada laman berikut ini: https://communication.uii.ac.id/bagaimana-cara-mempublikasikan-tugas-akhir-di-jurnal-bereputasi/

Laman resmi jurnal Mahasiswa Komunikasi Cantrik:

https://journal.uii.ac.id/cantrik

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Jurnalisme yang Menerobos Pagar Api

Pagar api jurnalisme

Idealnya kegiatan jurnalistik harus terpisah dengan persoalan bisnis. Peran jurnalis menjadi menjadi faktor terbesar dalam sebuah produk jurnlistik yang disampaikan kepada publik. Sayangnya, pagar api jurnalistik (firewall) telah runtuh dari dalam.

Catatan dari Nanang Krisdinanto, dosen Universitas Katolik Widya Mandala Surabaya (UKWMS) dalam bukunya yang berjudul Runtuh dari Dalam, Serangan Komersialisasi terhadap Pagar Api jurnalistik di Indonesia menjadi topik diskusi yang dihelat oleh Program Studi Ilmu Komunikasi UII bersama Sekolah Jurnalisme SK Trimurti, dan AJI Yogyakarta pada 4 November 2024 di UII.

Prof. Masduki, dosen Prodi Ilmu Komunikasi UII membuka diskusi dengan melontarkan pernyataan terkait bagaimana jurnalis bekerja dalam memproduksi berita.

“Harus free from economy interest, bebas dari persoalan bisnis. Dilema di antara profesional jurnalis, pimred, editor,” ujarnya.

“Jurnalis itu manusia biasa yang dipengaruhi banyak faktor di dalam dia bekerja (status kerja, gaji yang diterima, struktur lingkungan redaksi) mempengaruhi sebuah berita yang dia tulis.” Tambahnya lagi.

Pagar Api yang telah Runtuh

Nanang Krisdinanto sebagai penulis memaparkan hasil penemuannya bahwa ruang lingkup jurnalistik tak memiliki batasan konkret akibat kondisi ekonomi dan politik.

“Apa yang saya cemaskan sampai hari ini tidak menunjukkan gejala menurun tapi semakin meningkat eskalasinya. Sehingga pada akhir buku ini kesimpulannya adalah, bisnis media itu memang hidup di Indonesia tapi yang saya khawatirkan jurnalismenya mungkin sudah mati atau bahkan terancam mati,” ungkapnya.

“Garis pagar api antara redaksi dan bisnis sudah tidak dihormati lagi,” tambahnya.

Praktik-praktik penerabasan pagar api sebenarnya telah terjadi sejak tahun 90an, namun hal ini semakin parah selama masa pandemi Covid-19, semua bisnis semakin sulit termasuk pendapatan media dan iklan. Kondisi tersebut berakibat pada berita yang dihasilkan oleh jurnalis. Melalui berbagai proses di ruang redaksi yang sedemikian dimanipulative karena berbagai kepentingan (iklan).

“Itu tidak hanya disumbang dari kekuatan besar di luar (ekonomi dan politik) tapi juga dari dalam dari para jurnalis itu sendiri yang mengalami perubahan signifikan dalam cara mereka memandang jurnalisme,” jelasnya.

Temuan tersebut diamini oleh Nugroho Nurcahyo, Wakil Pemimpin Redaksi Harian Jogja yang turut menjadi pembicara. Bergelut dengan industri media lokal, ia mengungkap bobroknya ruang redaksi yang telah kaburnya batasan berita dan advertorial.

“Omong kosong kalau orang bilang 80 persen media itu hidup dari iklan. Dan yang dibayangkan iklan display misal satu iklan satu halaman itu hampir tidak mungkin dilakukan. Dari perusahaan media komunikasi yang meminta untuk advertorial itu pagar apinya mungkin konten promosi, ada juga yang dikode adv itu enggak cukup bagi mereka,” jelasnya.

“Mereka inginnya ini menjadi konten berita yang belakangan hari disebut brand content. Sialnya kalau di daerah, media belum dipercaya oleh privat sector mereka masih pakai konsultan media di Jakarta dan placementnya di media-media nasional dan banyak media nasional sudah berekspansi di sini mencari ekosistem bisnis yang lebih visible dalam tanda kutip bisa membayar SDM lebih rendah dengan kualitas yang sama di ibu kota,” tandasnya.

Fakta-fakta yang dikemukakan oleh Nugroho Nurcahyo menegaskan bahwa selain runtuhnya pagar api dari dalam, juga persaingan bisnis media tidak imbang antara media lokal dan nasional.

Buku yang diterbitkan Marjin Kiri tersebut membahas detail bagaimana pagar api jurnalistik sebagai salah satu filosofi dasar jurnalisme atau sekat yang membatasi redaksi dan bisnis demi menjaga independensi atau objektivitas praktik jurnalisme tengah diruntuhkan secara terang-terangan oleh desakan komersialisasi dalam industri media massa.

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‘Gerakan Literasi Sejuta Pemirsa’ Kerja Sama KPID Yogyakarta dengan UII untuk Suarakan Konten Lokal

GLSP

Konten lokal semestinya mendapat porsi yang layak dalam program siaran di TV maupun radio, sayangnya hal tersebut belum terwujud.

Ironi dengan persoalan tersebut, Komisi Penyiaran Indonesia Daerah (KPID) Yogyakarta menggandeng Universitas Islam Indonesia (UII) menggelar diskusi Gerakan Literasi Sejuta Pemirsa (GLSP) di Gedung GKU UII pada 1 November 2024.

Secara khusus, isu konten lokal dibahas mendalam oleh praktisi dan akademisi. Bertajuk Konten Lokal Sebagai Medium Demokratisasi diskusi tersebut menghadirkan dua pemateri dari KPID Yogyakarta serta akademisi UII.

Rektor UII, Fathul Wahid menyambut hangat niat tersebut. Dalam sambutannya beliau memberikan statement terkait konteks informasi yang selalu mengalami pergeseran.

“Setiap zaman setiap konteks itu mempunyai tafsirannya masing-masing, apa yang kita lihat hari ini belum tentu terjadi di masa lampau. Sehingga kita harus memaknai dengan cara yang berbeda,” ujarnya.

“Dalam kehidupan kita juga sama, di sini kita bicara konten lokal yang dulu di Indonesia tahun 80an 90an tidak pernah masuk diskusi. Ketika ada undang-undang baru kita diskusikan, kemudian diperkuat dengan medium demokratisasi budaya. Banyak sekali yang harus kita tafsirkan ulang,” tambahnya.

Mendukung KPID Yogyakarta dalam mendorong media-media penyiaran dalam memberikan porsi lebih banyk pada konten lokal, Rektor UII turut melakukan penandatangan nota kesepakatan kerja sama.

Konten Lokal Sebagai Medium Demokratisasi Budaya

Menghadirkan pemateri dari Komisioner KPI, Amin Shabana dan dosen Prodi Ilmu Komunikasi UII yakni Puji Rianto keduanya menyampaikan secara detail bagaimana posisi konten lokal.

Konten lokal adalah siaran bermuatan lokal yang mencakup program siaran jurnalistik, program siaran faktual dan non faktual dalam rangka pengembangan potensi daerah setempat serta dikerjakan dan diproduksi oleh sumber daya dan lembaga penyiaran setempat. 

Amin Shabana menjelaskan urgensi lokalitas konten dalam beberapa perspektif. Mulai dari Amanah regulasi, wajah daerah, potensi daerah, partisipasi kolektif, dan pemberdayaan SDM lokal.

“Demokrasi itu partisipasi, partisipasi masyarakat terkait dengan akses informasi, kebebasan berekspresi itu merupakan konteks dasar demokrasi. Termasuk di dalam sektor kebudayaan, karena sektor penyiaran merupakan multisector yang semuanya ada,” ujarnya.

“Kita dimandatkan untuk mengawal konten lokal yang sesuai dengan karakteristik daerah. Untuk program wisata budaya semestinya bukan hanya kontennya saja yang diangkat melainkan juga seumber daya penyiarnya harus mengoptimalkan daerah setempat,” tambahanya.

Sementara dari Puji Rianto, selaku akademisi sekaligus researcher menempatkan televisi lokal sebagai upaya untuk membangun cultural sphere.

Cultural sphere atau ruang budaya bpada kesenangan dan estetika, industri budaya berbiaya tinggi tapi perolehannya berpotensi zero dan di sisi lain tv lokal harus mencari profit.

“Agak ironis, kita punya kekayaan budaya yang luar biasa lebih dari 200 etnis. Problem akses, di mana kita diberi ruang di mana kita tidak diberi ruang,” ujarnya.

Beliau memberikan dua tawaran solusi yakni memperlakukan konten lokal sebagai public goods. Kedua mengupayakan regulasi terkait pendanaan khusus oleh daerah dalam produksinya.

Dalam kesempatan itu, hadir pula jajaran Komisioner KPI Bidang Kelembagaan dan Penanggung Jawab GLSP Evri Rizqi Monarshi, Ketua KPID Yogyakarta Hazwan Iskandar serta jajaran Dekan FPSB UII bersama Kaprodi Ilmu Komunikasi UII.

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A Unique Perspective: Attending INCOMS as an International Student

A Unique Perspective: Attending INCOMS as an international student

Going to study abroad forces students to adapt quickly. Starting from language differences to cultures that we never knew before. Thrya from Yemen tells us about her experience in a very lively welcome ceremony. She felt different, but she found a new perspective.

 

When I signed up for INCOMS 2024, an event hosted by Universitas Islam Indonesia and the Communications Department. Its focus was on giving an “Introduction to Communications” and as someone studying the field, I was excited to dive in. There was something that made me hesitate whether to participate or not being the only international student there.

Later on, this made my experience both thrilling and a bit overwhelming. The theme, “A Piece of Tone!” immediately caught my attention. It felt like a call to explore the many layers of communication in today’s world. From the warm welcome of the local students to the insightful sessions, INCOMS was much more than just an event, it was a chance to see Communications in action across cultures and perspectives.

On the first day, we reached the villa. Then we started with an alumni talk show, he discussed and shared his experience and advice with the freshmen students. The day continued with introduction to important organizations like HIMAKOM and Ikonisia TV, and then it was followed by incredible films made by students that showcased real-life stories. The day ended with lively, differently, and culturally performances highlighting student talents.

On the second day, participants started with Fajr prayer, followed by morning group workouts. Then the jamaah played interactive and fun games. Lastly, the event wrapped up with awards, a group photo, and a heartfelt closing ceremony.

What stood out for me the most at the INCOMS was the Wonderland Indonesia performance. It was such a breathtaking and rich performance. The music was a mesmerizing blend of modern and traditional sounds, featuring instruments like dumps, classes, and cups, which add a rhythmic complexity. The voices of the performers resonated with the song’s emotions perfectly and carried the energy of the whole performance. They wear their traditional clothes, which add a special touch and a beautiful representation of cultural diversity.

Another astonishing aspect is the energy of the performers and the dynamic group singing in harmony. It was impossible not to feel their passion, pride, and love for their country. As the show ended, I found myself completely impressed by the music, costumes, and energy of the performers. It also gives me a deeper sense of appreciation for the culture and the people who represent it beautifully.

Culture shock

One particular moment of cultural shock that I remember most was having breakfast at 7 a.m. The food served was traditional Indonesian food, some of which I had never tried before. The dishes were delicious, but the idea of me starting my day by eating rice for breakfast was new to me. These little experiences, though minor, taught me about the eating culture in Indonesia and how it is different from my country. For us, we usually start our first meal at 9, and it mostly consists of bread and legumes. That is why it was completely new to me.

I would say attending this event could also be considered to be a culture shock because the welcoming parties and events that are usually held for freshman students are not a common thing in my country. Universities always start right away with the curriculum without having any briefing about the major or engaging events with other students, and that makes their adaptation to university life a bit harder.

Impact of the Event

Even though this event was completely in Bahasa Indonesian, the side discussions and casual conversations were too; however, I was surprised by the fact that most of the students tried their best to not make me feel left out and to accompany me. They used to translate most of the information on the event, my role in the film, and many other things. Going through this experience made me feel that there was room for international students in such events, and there was a space for them to step out of their comfort zone and engage with a new academic and cultural environment.

Attending INCOMS as the only international student was both a challenge and an opportunity. The event not only enhanced my academic experience but also allowed me to experience Indonesian hospitality and culture in a way I hadn’t before.

My advice for international students attending such events is to fully enjoy the experience. There will be moments of culture shock or language barriers, these challenges are growth opportunities. Be open to engage with local students and professionals, and take advantage of such great events. Good luck to you all.

Written by: Thrya Abdulraheem Motea Al-aqab

Edited by: Meigitaria Sanita

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Awarding Night P2A 2024: A Collaborative Project between Indonesia and Malaysia

Awarding night

After traveling to the two countries of Indonesia and Malaysia, it was time for the P2A 2024 Awarding Night. The appreciation moment on 5 October 2024 marked the end of the Passage to ASEAN (P2A) 2024 series.

The awarding night was conducted in a hybrid way, live in the TV studio of the UII Communication Science Study Program, by combining Zoom meetings for delegates spread across two countries.

This international mobility involving Universitas Islam Indonesia and Universiti Utara Malaysia took place from 19 to 29 August 2024, travelling around Yogyakarta, Kuala Lumpur, Kedah, and Langkawi. Twenty delegates attended. The delegates were divided into groups and responsible for completing projects related to the AWARE theme: Exploring Digital Culture and Urban Environment in Creative Ecosystem. The work produced from the P2A 2024 project is in the form of photos, videos, and writings.

The P2A 2024 Awarding Night was also attended online by several university officials including the Vice Rector for Partnership and Entrepreneurship of UII, Ir. Wiryono Raharjo, M.Arch., Ph.D and Iwan Awaluddin Yusuf, S.IP., M.Si., Ph.D as the Head of UII Communication Science Department. While from UUM Dr Syamsul Hirdi bin Muhid and several other lecturers.

Both representatives from the university expressed their gratitude for the international collaboration that has been established since the last few years. Interestingly, the collaboration produced outputs that were able to hone the skills of the delegates from both universities.

The event that night was even more interesting because it was enlivened by art performances from the two cultures of Indonesia and Malaysia. Firstly Butterfly Dance, Javanese Dance and Rap from UII, while from UUM gave an offering of folk songs from Malaysia.

The most awaited moment was of course the announcement of the winner of the creative work of the delegates. After going through the judging process, the three best works were selected. The appointed jury was Marjito Iskandar Tri Gunawan, M.I.Kom who is a UII laboratory assistant as well as a film activist, while the representative from UUM was Dr Azzura.

List of Best Works in P2A 2024

3rd Winner:

– Spica, Latifah, Noraisyafika, Athirah, Batrisya: Travel Journal

2nd Winner:

– Nandita, Dila: Video Reel: Two Nations, One Journey

1st Winner Best Project

– Nurfahmi, Musdalifah, Kissharoopy, Faeiq: Everything’s Waiting For You

More information about P2A 2024 can be accessed on the following page:

P2A 2024: Outbound Program di Malaysia hingga Konferensi Internasional di Langkawi

P2A 2024: Inbound Program di Yogyakarta, Urban Walking hingga Cultural Night

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Leaving Home for an Opportunity: A Journey from Yemen to Indonesia

Yemen

I’m a girl who grew up in a family that supports the idea of taking any risks to grow or chase a dream that you want to follow. Growing up in such a family made me a brave girl who never lost a long-waited opportunity or dream. When I first learned that I had received a scholarship to study in universities Universitas Islam Indonesia, I was overwhelmed by a mix of excitement and anxiety. It is not just about leaving Yemen. It was about the dream of a little girl to have such a chance to step into an entirely new world, a world that would add up to her growth and her experience too. Getting prepared to pursue this dream and leave my home behind was not just a physical journey; it felt like I was also leaving behind everything I had ever known or loved, my family, friends, and the familiarity of my daily life.

The decision to leave Yemen was not easy. It was filled with an emotional and physical struggle too. The opportunity was something I had always talked about with my sisters and was something I would add to my dream list every year. Although I was filled with excitement, there was a heavy feeling in my heart. The thought of saying goodbye to my family, not knowing when I would return, and the fear of them growing up older and me not having enough memories with them always scared me. The scholarship felt like a golden ticket to a better future, but at the same time, it required me to let go of so much.

The process of leaving was filled with endless paperwork, visa applications, and the chaos of preparing for a life abroad. I remember one time when my family and I had to travel more than 12 hours by car to renew my passport. The situation in Yemen made it harder for me to finish the process with less effort. Sometimes when I struggled with the paperwork and tried to cope with the situation, it made me feel like it was a mountain I would never be able to climb, but I know deep down that this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and I have to work hard for it.

The Journey to Indonesia

I remember my mom’s hug at the airport, the plane ride, and how I watched Yemen disappear below me. I feel scared of the idea that I’m going to land in a place that could not be more different from what I know. The flights were long, with layovers and waiting, but every moment brought me closer to my dream, to a place that I had read about with no real understanding of anything.

When I first landed in Indonesia, the first thing that I felt through their action was the warmth of people and their hospitality. The noise at the airport, the unfamiliar language, the food, and the beautiful sights. It all hit me at once. It felt like I had been transported to a completely new world, but I always figured out a way to find beauty in that diversity and unfamiliarity; it was a completely fresh start.

Adapting to life in Indonesia took me longer than I imagined. The culture, the language, the way people communicate—all of it was very different to me. I found that I was pushing myself too hard to adapt as soon as possible and had always been worried about making mistakes. But over time, I started to try to take my time. I learned to appreciate the kindness of strangers, their excitement to get to know me, and the help they offer each time. I also learned to navigate the language barrier by trying to learn common phrases and words. I attended a Bahasa Indonesian class that the university organized for international students, and that helped me a lot. Little by little, the feeling of being a foreigner or an outsider started to reduce, and I started to feel the warmth of this country.

As time passed, I realized this journey was not just about education; it was also about my personal growth. Living in a different country, far away from home, and handling all my responsibilities on my own made me more independent, resilient, and open-minded. I started to see the world from a different angle, understanding that the 18 years that I spent in Yemen were just a part of larger growth and experience. Most importantly, I have learned more about myself, my weaknesses, strengths, abilities, and capacity for growth.

When I look back on the journey from Yemen to Indonesia, I feel a sense of gratitude. The decision was not easy, but it was the best thing I would do for my future self. This experience has opened doors I did not know existed and has given me a vision for the future that is bigger than I have dreamed. The only advice that I could give to anyone thinking of taking a similar path is to not hesitate. There will be moments when you feel lost, feel homesick, and want to leave everything and return home. But I believe that this experience will shape you most unexpectedly, and you will realize the journey is as important as the dream you want to achieve.

 

Written by: Thrya Abdulraheem Motea Al-aqab

Edited by: Meigitaria Sanita

Meigitaria Sanita

The Journey of Self Acceptance

Self Acceptance

“This article is a personal experience from one of the international students at UII. She tells us about the culture and social environment in Yemen. Interestingly, meeting people from different countries brought a new personal growth to her”

I have always wondered if the struggle of not feeling like I belong to my society would ever disappear, or if I would have to keep trying to fit in. From an early age, society teaches us about the importance of fitting in, and how it is rewarded, while on the other hand deviating from social norms will only lead to rejection or judgment.  I remember the time a teacher yelled at me because I was against the idea of forcing young girls to wear hijabs. She wanted me to agree lie everyone else without saying what I thought or even giving me the chance to explain my thoughts. Growing up surrounded by such people, and such an environment turned me into a person who constantly seeks societal validation and acceptance from others, instead of myself.

We deliberately seek out similar and recognizable norms like conforming to stereotypes and suppressing our true thoughts and emotions, to feel secure. If we’re doing the same as everyone else, we must be doing it right, and finding a reflection of ourselves in those around us is a form of validation. Moreover, the fear of ending up alone is always triggering to most of us.

Living in such a society or environment during my teenage years was very challenging, and the feeling of being an outsider has always accompanied me-whether in school or among people around me. The stress of being someone else to fit in is a heavy burden to bear. I would usually choose to do what others are doing. To fit in and blend with society. This desire slowly started to become an obsession. As a result, it led to the loss of individuality and uniqueness of my personality. It also felt like I was starting to lose connection with my authentic self.

I started to embrace my flaws, except myself for who I am, and stop being afraid of being myself. These things helped me to long for a space where I could express myself freely with no judgment, where I didn’t feel the need to force myself to think and act in a certain way. This journey has its ups and downs. I sometimes question myself if I’m doing the right thing or if it’s worth enduring society’s rejection, but every time I choose myself above anything else I remember why I started this journey in the first place.

Meeting people from different cultures and backgrounds helped me to see the beauty of diversity in their thoughts and experiences. I remember the first time I   expressed my thoughts without the fear of being judged. Everyone was open to the idea of diversity in thoughts, experiences, and mindsets. This was shown by everyone’s actions, and they welcomed the idea of everyone presenting themselves not others. This life experience that I have been through not only taught me how to make good individual choices for myself but also made me open-minded to different perspectives. I would say that the experience began when I traveled for the first time in my life. It was an unprepared life decision that my family made for our sake, and we were afraid it was going to be a good step for us. For me, I would say it was a complete turning point in my life, and in the way I see myself.

As I grew older and got involved in more life experiences, I realized that respect for my thoughts should start from me, or I would always feel the need to fake my personality to feel welcomed by others. This realization was hard but necessary. Also waiting for others to accept or love you isn’t the answer. Acceptance has to start with you only. It took time and energy to reach the truth, but as I began living this truth, I finally felt like me again with a sense of freedom. You will never shine brighter than when you are being your true self.

Written by: Thrya Abdulraheem Motea Al-aqab

Edited by: Meigitaria Sanita

Meigitaria Sanita

Pre Conference Workshops at the 7th CCCMS 2024

7th CCCMS 2024

Pre-conference workshops

Every registered participants can join one of these workshops (for free):

1. Writing class for international journal

    • Convenor​​: Masduki
    • Workshop language​: English
2. Urban walking & sensory methods
    • Convenor​​: Zaki Habibi
    • Workshop language​: English
3. Environmental communication – edited volume writing group
    • Convenor​​: Muzayin Nazaruddin
    • Workshop language​: Bahasa Indonesia
4. Photobook and Design Thinking: An Introduction
    • Convenor​​: Andi Ari Setiadi & Caron Toshiko Monica (Gueari Galeri)
    • Workshop language: English, mixed with Indonesian

More information: https://conference.communication.uii.ac.id/program/

7th CCCMS 2024

7th CCCMS 2024