Studium Generale of UIN Jakarta's Journalism Program Discusses Diversity in Inclusive Journalism Coverage

Theater Room, Second Floor of FDIKOM, UIN Online News — The Journalism Study Program of the Faculty of Da'wah and Communication Sciences (FDIKOM) at UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta held a Studium Generale event with the theme "Framing Indonesia's Diversity from an Inclusive Journalism Perspective" on Wednesday (May 29, 2024). This event aimed to raise awareness and sensitivity among young journalists about the importance of inclusivity in media coverage, especially regarding diversity and equality.

The event, held in the Theatre Room on the second floor of FDIKOM, featured two main speakers who are experts in their fields. Awla Rajul, Editor-in-Chief of Bandung Bergerak, and Tantowi Anwari, Advocacy Manager of the Journalists for Diversity Union (SEJUK), shared their experiences and knowledge about the importance of inclusive journalism in creating fair and unbiased reporting.

The event began with the recitation of the Quran, the singing of Indonesia Raya, and opening remarks by the Head of the Journalism Study Program, Dr. Bintan Humeira, M.Si., followed by the Dean of FDIKOM, Dr. Gun Gun Heryanto, M.Si., who officially opened the event.

In his speech, the Dean of FDIKOM expressed appreciation to the Head of the Journalism Study Program for organizing a seminar with diverse and inclusive topics, emphasizing that journalists play a crucial role in intersubjectivity and that the media needs to have a clear perspective. The discussion was moderated by Journalism Lecturer, Fauziah Muslimah, M.I.Kom.

Tantowi Anwari highlighted the tendency of media to lack a victim perspective. He stressed that using language that reinforces stigma and stereotypes can distort the narrative, turning something positive into negative and vice versa.

"Inclusive journalism is not just about reporting facts but also about how we can provide fair representation and advocate for the rights of marginalized groups through the media," explained Tantowi on Wednesday (May 29, 2024).

Meanwhile, Awla Rajul emphasized the importance of journalists having an open and fair perspective when covering diversity issues. He stated that journalists bear a significant responsibility, such as truth, the public, the marginalized, and power.

"Life is not always about conflict. As journalists, we can contribute and make an impact by telling good practices growing in society. Small people take initiatives. Communities act. These good practices are also facts and should be disseminated," said Rajul.

The event was attended by Journalism students and young journalists from several student press organizations at UIN Jakarta, who were enthusiastic about deepening their understanding of inclusive journalism. The event concluded with a question-and-answer session and the presentation of souvenirs to the speakers.

(Ken Devina/Fauziah M/Raihan Lail/Faadhila Idris)