Promoting Advanced Literacy: UKM Fair UIN Jakarta Hosts Talk Show and Book Discussion

Aula Madya, UIN Online News — UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta fostered the talents of freshmen through a Talk Show and Book Discussion themed “Language Remarks: Wrong Words, Wrong Meaning” as part of the UKM Fair, held at Aula Madya, 2nd Floor, on Saturday (06/09/2025).

The event featured several prominent speakers, including Uksu Suhardi, Editor at Tempo Magazine and author of the Trilogi Celetuk Bahasa; Jasmiko, author of Dua Purnama di Surga and Tukang Parkir Negeri Konoha; and Naila Asyifa as the moderator.

In his explanation, Uksu Suhardi highlighted the importance of understanding language rules in everyday communication as well as in academic contexts.

“Many people still think that as long as the message is understood, grammar does not matter. However, this attitude can create confusion and hinder proper comprehension,” he said.

He further explained that the Indonesian language has rules outlined in grammar and spelling conventions, and by adhering to them, the language becomes more orderly, easier to understand, and more accessible to the public.

“The more disciplined we are in using the language and following its rules, believe me, our language will become easier to comprehend,” he added.

Meanwhile, Jasmiko emphasized that one of the biggest challenges in writing is the lack of reading habits, which leads to weak writing skills.

“The main obstacle in writing lies in the lack of reading habits. Low reading intensity ultimately results in poor writing ability,” he stressed.

During the event, he also shared his personal experiences as an author of several books. According to him, the choice of words—between the good and bad ones—is a crucial issue in writing, especially academic writing.

“I am currently writing several books as well. And often, the problem of choosing between words becomes a major challenge,” he explained.

He encouraged students to read more scientific works as a guide for completing their coursework. He stressed that mastering Indonesian grammar is not only important for academic tasks but also beneficial in various aspects of life.

“Perhaps after this, you can start reading some remarkable works. These can serve as guides for us as students to complete assignments. Actually, it’s not just for doing assignments—there are many things we can do if we master Indonesian grammar,” he emphasized.

In a motivational session, he underlined that new students usually have high enthusiasm upon entering university life, so they should be encouraged to try new things from their first semester.

"As freshmen, your enthusiasm is palpable. From high school, you’ve entered a university that offers a broader learning space. So, don’t be afraid to try new things from the very first semester,” he encouraged.

In closing, the new students were invited to start writing, both within and outside the university environment. Writing, he said, is a fundamental skill that hones critical thinking, builds discipline, and opens opportunities in both academic and professional fields.

UKM Fair aims to introduce new students to the various Student Activity Units within the campus while also fostering reading interest and writing skills. Through this talk show and book discussion, participants not only gained literacy insights but were also encouraged to express their ideas, thoughts, and creativity in both academic and non-academic settings.

(Fathan Rangga I./Fauziah M./Zaenal M./Muhamad Arifin Ilham/Photo: Muhammad Ghifari Rahman)