UMS and KPID Central Java Boost Partnership in Media Education

The Faculty of Communication and Informatics (FKI) at Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta (UMS) has established a strategic partnership with the Central Java Regional Indonesian Broadcasting Commission (KPID Jateng).

The signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) took place alongside the event “KPID Goes to Campus: Smart in Media, Critical in Voice”, held at Seminar Room J, FKI UMS, on Tuesday 7/10/2025).

Hendrik S.P. Hutabarat, Coordinator of the Institutional Division of KPID Central Java, explained that the collaboration includes internship opportunities, media literacy programs, and the development of student research.

“UMS students can play an active role in nurturing a new generation of broadcasters who understand broadcasting regulations and ethics,” said Hendrik.

He added that the media literacy program will be held annually at UMS, with KPID Jateng also supporting student research development by serving as a reference institution. This synergy, he emphasized, will continue through both academic activities and community engagement programs.

According to Hendrik, KPID Jateng’s initiative to collaborate with FKI UMS aims to give Communication Science students direct exposure to the broadcasting industry. He noted that the field of communication is deeply connected to broadcasting, encouraging students to be more critical and mindful of information quality in today’s digital era.

“Gen Z must be aware of how to share accurate news, verify information, and avoid spreading hoaxes,” he emphasized.

Hendrik S.P. Hutabarat, S.E., Coordinator of Institutional Affairs at KPID Central Java, delivered his presentation during the KPID Goes to Campus: Media Literacy and Critical Expression event held at the FKI UMS Seminar Room J on October 7, 2025. UMS Public Relations/Imam Safii  

Meanwhile, Head of the Communication Department at UMS, Sidiq Setyawan, S.I.Kom., M.I.Kom., explained that the signing of the MoA with KPID Central Java encompasses the implementation of the three pillars of higher education (Tri Dharma Perguruan Tinggi), education, research, and community service.

“Today is not just about signing documents, but also realizing them through a public lecture with KPID,” he stated.

He further noted that this collaboration marks a concrete step by UMS to strengthen ties with broadcasting institutions while encouraging students to become more media literate.

According to Sidiq, MoUs and MoAs hold no real value unless they are followed by sustainable activities. Therefore, the public lecture featuring KPID practitioners serves as a direct implementation of the partnership. He added that current accreditation standards emphasize tangible implementation rather than formal agreements.

The public lecture, held alongside the KPID Goes to Campus event, became an integral part of the students’ learning process. Sidiq stressed that the topics presented by the speakers were highly relevant to courses taught within FKI, reinforcing the integration of academic theory and real-world practice.

The Communication Department at FKI UMS has also prepared various follow-up initiatives, including joint research, community service, and an internship program integrated with the Magang Berdampak scheme.

Sidiq added that involving external partners plays a crucial role in enhancing students’ academic quality. KPID’s extensive network with broadcasting institutions across Central Java provides UMS students with broader and more practical learning experiences.

“From a single MoA, we aim to generate numerous activities, from public lectures to collaborative research and community engagement. This partnership should not end at ceremonial signing, but evolve into a sustainable and meaningful collaboration,” Sidiq concluded.

Writer: Yusuf Ismail

Editor: Fika Annisa Sholihah

Translator: Farizal Luqman Majid