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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

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.

Pengabdian Dosen Ilmu Komunikasi UII: Bagaimana Cara Membuat Konten di Media Sosial yang Menarik dan Viral?

Dua dosen Prodi Ilmu Komunikasi UII yakni Ratna Permata Sari, S.I.Kom., M.A, dan Nadia Wasta Utami, S.I.Kom., M.A melakukan pengabdian masyarakat di TBM Gubug Pintar, Semanu, Gunung Kidul, Yogyakarta pada 26 Oktober 2024.

Menggandeng LSM Erat Indonesia, kedua dosen Prodi Ilmu Komunikasi UII fokus terhadap pelatihan manajemen dan pembuatan konten di media sosial.

Sebagai informasi, Erat Indonesia merupakan LSM yang bergerak pada perlindungan, advokasi, dan treatment lansia. Diinisiasi sejak tahun 2020, Erat Indonesia masih terfokus di daerah Wonosari dan Bantul karena kapasitas SDM yang masih terbatas. Tercatat volunteer yang tergabung sekitar 20 hingga 30.

Artinya, perlu banyak SDM khususnya kaum muda dalam mendukung kegiatan kemanusiaan tersebut. untuk menyelsaikan persoalan tersebut perlu dilakukan kampanye sosial di media sosial untuk meningkatkan kesadaran masyarakat terhadap isu lansia.

Sehingga Prodi Ilmu Komunikasi UII berusaha mengurai permasalahan dengan tawaran memberi pelatihan kepada Erat Indonesia terkait manajemen dan pembuatan konten di media sosial.

Manajemen Media Sosial

Pelatihan pertama diawali oleh materi dari Nadia Wasta Utami yakni Manajemen Media Sosial. Sebagai dosen praktisi pemasaran, beliau menyampaikan bagaimana cara membuat perencanaan dan pengelolaan media sosial.

“Saya memberi pengantar terkait media yang diperlukan dalam pemasaran juga terkait dengan manajemen sosial medianya,” ujarnya.

Pengabdian

Dosen Prodi Ilmu Komunikasi UII, Nadia Wasta Utami, S.I.Kom., M.A

“Kemarin itu seperti training for trainer untuk para pengurus Erat Indonesia, karena pengelolanya banyak dari mahasiswa salah satunya salah satunya dari UGK, beberapa ibu-ibu volunteer dari Erat Indonesianya juga hadir. Yang menarik tempat acaranya di TBM Gubuk Pintar di Semanu Gunung Kidul. YTBM ini punya pengelola dan volunteer mereka juga turut hadir sehingga pesertanya sangat beragam dari mahasiswa, pengelola Erat Indonesia dan Pengelola,” tambahnya.

Sebagai praktisi pemasan media sosial di UII, beliau menekankan bahwa dalam pemasaran khususnya di media sosial value menjadi komponen penting yang harus ditampilkan di media sosial. Sehingga memberikan pemahaman terkait value dari Erat Indonesia adalah concern utama.

“Namanya pemasaran sosialisasi dengan value itu macam-macam medianya salah satunya sosial media. Dan sekarang semuanya sudah menggunakan sosial media maka kita perlu tau bagaimana cara mengelola sosial media dengan baik dan mebuat konten yang menarik.” Tandasnya.

Pelatihan Pembuatan Konten

Usai pemaparan materi pertama, dilanjutkan dengan dengan pelatihan dari Ratna Permata Sari, S.I.Kom., M.A yakni Pelatihan Pembuatan Konten Menggunakan Smartphone.

“Jangan cuma jadi konsumen atau pengguna (media sosial) tapi juga menjadi produsen (kreator konten),” ujarnya membuka diskusi.

Pengabdian

Dosen Prodi Ilmu Komunikasi UII, Ratna Permata Sari, S.I.Kom., M.A

Beliau memberi contoh cara membuat konten sederhana, dan yang terpenting bagaimana konten tersebut dijangkau oleh banyak pihak hingga viral.

“Bikin foto dikasih lagu (sedang viral) saja,” tambahnya.

Dinamika dan regulasi media sosial sangat cepat dan tidak terduga, sehingga pengguna perlu beradaptasi dengan cepat. Jika beberapa bulan sebelumnya konten kreator fokus mencari banyak pengikut, tren terkini justru berbeda.

“Jadi kalau dulu orang itu berbondong-bondong ingin mendapat banyak follower biar enggagement tinggi tapi kenyataan saat ini untuk dapat itu lebih kepada mengikuti algoritma untuk bisa viral,” ungkapnya.

Karena viral tidak mampu dipresdiksi, sebagai penutup, beliau memberikan tips agar konten yang diproduksi bisa menjangkau banyak pihak.

“Mengikuti algoritma, biasanya dengan kaitan lagu yang sedang populer. Kedua mengikuti isu. Sebenarnya FYP dan viral bisa dapat dikatakan lebih ketika untung-untungan kembali karakteristik akun masing-masing. Tiap orang punya masing-masing kekuatan karakter konten apa. Sehingga viral dan tidak viral hanya dampak.” Pungkasnya.

How to get a scholarship in Abroad: My experience with FGLS in Indonesia

I had that dreamed of studying abroad as a way to achieve my goals of being independent, seeing the world, and experiencing different cultures for a long time. The thought thrilled me, but I realized that securing a scholarship was the only way to make it happen. My journey, nevertheless, was more difficult than I had thought. I imagined that if I worked hard to look for and apply for scholarships, no matter how modest, I would undoubtedly be awarded one. However, reality was very different.

Studying abroad is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. It provide access to a high-quality education, and it also broadens your vision, offers new perspectives, and gain personal growth. It exposes you to experiences and challenges that you wouldn’t experience  in your home country, making it truly unique.

I started looking for scholarships while I was still in school, but I only began applying during my gap year. I applied to more than thirteen scholarships, got accepted for only one, and never heard back from most of the others. I spent days researching trustworthy scholarships, dealing with complicated application requirements, and filling out long forms. These little disappointments made me feel like applying for more scholarships was a waste of time. Looking back now, I see that my lack of understanding about the scholarship process made it more difficult than it had to be.

I was so thrilled and excited when I got the acceptance email from Universitas Islam Indonesia. It felt unbelievable after the hard work and frustration. I made my sister read it out loud to make sure I’m not dreaming. The happiness I felt at that moment was worth every effort and the time taken to get there.

If you want to make your application process  goes smoother, here are a few tips :

  1. Identify scholarships that goes with your interests and eligibility.
  2. Start your applications early
  3. Prepare thoroughly for interviews and application process.
  4. Don’t hesitate to look out for guidance if you feel unsure.

Remember to give your best effort in every step of the application process.

I’d like to share some information about the scholarship that I received. It is called the Future Global Leaders Scholarship from Universitas Islam Indonesia (UII). It offers a wide range of International Program (IP), and opens applications once a year. Students who are accepted are required to take a one-month Bahasa Indonesia (BIPA) class before the academic year begins. Be sure to check the link below for more details on this opportunity.

It is, therefore, without doubt that getting a scholarship to study abroad is always a hard process but the outcome, the personal and academic gains all make it worthwhile. Do not let challenges deter you, instead let the challenges be the very reason you push forward to achieve your goals.

More information:

https://pmb.uii.ac.id/international/scholarships/

 

Written by: Thrya Abdulraheem Motea Al-aqab

Edited by: Meigitaria Sanita

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

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:

Puspita Bahari

Dua tahun terakhir Prodi Ilmu Komunikasi UII telah melakukan berbagai pendampingan dan kerja sama dengan nelayan perempuan Morodemak dan Timbulsloko, Kabupaten Demak, Jawa Tengah. Banjir rob telah mengepung wilayah tersebut, akibatnya berbagai masalah terjadi baik dari aspek ekonomi dan sosial.

Bermula dari pengabdian masyarakat yang dilakukan oleh dua dosen Prodi Ilmu Komunikasi UII yakni Puji Hariyanti, S.Sos., M.I.Kom dan Ratna Permata Sari, S.I.Kom., MA pada tahun 2023. Beberapa program pendampingan seperti pemasaran digital serta parenting diberikan kepada masyarakat di sana. Proses untuk memasuki daerah tersebut tak lepas dari campur tangan komunitas Puspita Bahari.

Untuk menguatkan kerja sama, Prodi Ilmu Komunikasi UII bertandang ke Demak pada 25 Septeber 2024 untuk melakukan penandatanganan Implementasi Aktivitas (IA) denga Puspita Bahari, komunitas nelayan perempuan.

Diwakili oleh Puji Hariyanti, S.Sos., M.I.Kom, penandatanganan tersebut dilakukan bersamaan dengan festival ‘Perempuan Merajut Gerakan Krisis Iklim’ di Panggung Kesenian Tembiring, Demak Jawa Tengah. Bertandangnya rombongan Prodi Ilmu Komunikasi UII juga turut memeriahkan festival tersebut, film garapan Puji Hariyanti, S.Sos., M.I.Kom, serta Marjito Iskandar Tri Gunawan, M.I.Kom selaku staf laboran yang berjudul Sweat Dripping in the Ripples of the River juga dipertontonkan kepada publik.

“Kerjasama dengan Komunitas Puspita Bahari di Demak di mulai dari kegiatan pengabdian masyarakat dosen-dosen Prodi Ilmu Komunikasi UII di komunitas perempuan nelayan di pesisir Demak. Kemudian dilanjutkan dengan pembuatan film dokumenter tentang kehidupan perempuan nelayan di daerah Tambak Polo dan Timbulsloko, Demak. Prodi Ilmu Komunikasi UII juga pernah menyalurkan bantuan UIIPeduli Banjir Demak saat bencana banjir melanda kawasan tersebut. Berdasarkan kegiatan-kegiatan bersama yang semakin intensif, maka Prodi Ilmu Komunikasi ingin memformalkan kerja sama dengan Komunitas Perempuan Nelayan Puspita Bahari,” ujarnya.

Peran Puspita Bahari bagi nelayan perempuan begitu besar di Morodemak dan Timbulsloko. Maka dari itu penguatan kerja sama antara Prodi Ilmu Komunikasi UII dilakukan untuk melakukan kerja-kerja pemberdayaan berkelanjutan. Hal ini selaras dengan kegiatan yang dilakoni oleh Puspita Bahari, Masnuah selaku pengurus menyebut jika kerja-kerja yang dilakukan berkaitan dengan pengorganisasian serta edukasi.

“Selam aini Puspita Bahari melakukan kerja-kerja pengorganisasian, edukasi, pemberdayaan ekonomi, pendampingan kasus kekerasan serta advokasi kebijakan (pengakuan identitas nelayan perempuan),” ujar Masnuah.

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

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

P2A

Selepas mengeksplore Yogyakarta dalam program inbound Passage to ASEAN (P2A) 2024, delegasi dari Internasional Program Ilmu Komunikasi UII bersama delegasi SCIMPA UUM akhirnya terbang ke Malaysia pada 24 Agustus 2024.

Menariknya 10 delegasi dari UII akan mengeksplore beberapa wilayah di Malayasia mulai dari Kedah yang merupakan rumah dari UUM, Langkawi, hingga Kuala Lumpur. Selama enam hari para delegasi akan mengikuti berbagai program yang telah disiapkan oleh pihak SCIMPA UUM,

Berbeda dengan program inbound, beberapa agenda yang akan diikuti delegasi UII selama di Malaysia adalah visiting to SCIMPA Anjung Tamu, photography session, hingga bergabung dalam konferensi internasional di Langkawi.

Tak hanya menjadi peserta dalam konferensi internasional, salah satu dosen pendamping dari Prodi Ilmu Komunikasi, Dr. Herman Felani, S.S., M.A ditunjuk menjadi keynote speaker dalam forum internasional tersebut.

Visiting Anjung Tamu dan Photography Session

Setelah tiba di Malaysia, pada 25 Agustus 2024 delegasi UII lakukan kunjungan ke SCIMPA Anjung Tamu. Berkeliling di lokasi kampus juga mengenal budaya akademik yang tentu berbeda dengan Indonesia.

Usai lakukan kampus tour, 10 delegasi dari UII berkesempatan belajar fotografi dengan Klub Kamera Kedah. Jika workshop photography sesi inbound di Yogyakarta mengambil latar alam, di Malaysia Klub Kamera Kedah mengajak para delegasi untuk mengeksplore kota di Alor Setar.

Photo session dilakukan dengan berbagai objek bangunan serta saling bergantian menjadi model dengan busana khas daerah.

CIIC Langkawi and Cultural Dinner

Konferensi internasional Creative Industry International Conference (CIIC) yang selenggarakan SCIMPA UUM pada 26 Agustus 2024 di Goldsand Hotel, Pulau Langkawi, Malaysia turut mengundang dosen prodi Ilmu Komunikasi yakni Dr. Herman Felani, S.S., M.A sebagai keynote speaker.

Bertemakan “The Emergence of AI in Culture and Creative Industries: Opportunities and Challenges.” Dalam presentasinya Herman Felani menyajikan hasil penelitiannya terkait penggunaan AI (artificial intelligence) atau kecerdasan buatan dan budaya populer dalam kampanye pemilihan presiden Indonesia di tahun 2024.

“Dalam dunia politik, AI yang dikombinasikan dengan budaya populer berhasil menarik pemilihan para pemilih muda khususnya dari generasi millenial dan Gen Z untuk mengekspresikan dukungan politik kepada kandidat presiden dan wakil presiden sebagai bagian dari kampanye yang kreatif,” ujarnya.

Diskusi tersebut mengundang banyak pertanyaan dan diskusi lebih lanjut, bagi audiens Malaysia fenomena yang dipaparkan tidak ditemui dalam pemilihan umum di Malaysia dan merupakan sesuatu yang unik dan menarik bagi warga Malaysia.

Sementara salah seorang mahasiswa S3 dari Universiti Utara Malaysia yang berasal dari China menyatakan bahwa presentasi dari Dosen UII tersebut memberikan inspirasi baginya untuk mengembangkan penelitiannya melalui penggunaan AI untuk melestarikan budaya ziarah ke makam keluarga di China.

Usai konferensi internasional, agenda ditutup dengan cultural dinner dari kedua pihak. Ini merupakan forum hangat dan santai.

Keterlibatan UII sebagai mitra Universiti Utara Malaysia 2024 merupakan bagian realiasi kerjasama yang telah berlangsung sejak 2018 antara Prodi Ilmu Komunikasi UII dengan SCIMPA UUM. Program ini merupakan rangkaian dari Program P2A ICE CREAM (Passage to ASEAN International Course on Creative Media) yang merupakan program mobility untuk mahasiswa UII dan UUM yang berlangsung pada 19-29 Agustus 2024. 10 orang mahasiswa International Program Ilmu Komunikasi UII juga hadir dalam workshop penggunaan AI dalam Produksi Konten yang menjadi acara pembuka CIIC 2024.