Enviro News Asia, Bogor — Asosiasi Dosen dan Peneliti Ilmu Komunikasi Indonesia (ADPIKI) emphasized the strategic role of communication studies in strengthening research collaboration, innovation commercialization, and national development amid rapid digital transformation during its National Symposium, Declaration, and Central Board Inauguration held at the IPB International Convention Center on Thursday, 7 May 2026.
The event featured Arif Satria, Head of Indonesia’s National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), as keynote speaker under the theme “The Role and Responsibility of Communication Science: Research Synergy and Commercialization for the Present and Future.”
During his keynote address, Arif Satria stated that digital technology has fundamentally transformed the landscape of public communication, where mainstream media is no longer the sole source of information as individuals can now simultaneously become producers and distributors of news through digital platforms.
“Today, everyone can become a source of information, and algorithms hold immense influence in determining what the public sees and believes. As a result, communication is often no longer oriented toward substance, but rather toward virality,” he said.
He explained that communication in the digital era is increasingly used to shape public opinion and build trust toward individuals and institutions. According to him, the greatest challenge today lies in maintaining credibility amid the overwhelming flow of information and competing narratives in digital spaces.
“Communication is ultimately not only about technology, but also about building social relationships and establishing credibility trusted by society,” Arif added.
Meanwhile, Chairman of the ADPIKI Advisory Board, Anter Venus, highlighted that the rise of digital technology and artificial intelligence has triggered information overload, misinformation, disinformation, and infodemic phenomena.
“In the digital and AI era, communication is no longer merely the process of delivering messages; it has become an arena for shaping social realities. Therefore, communication science must ensure that information remains factual, ethical, and educational for society,” Anter Venus stated.
He stressed the importance of science communication, critical thinking, information verification, AI ethics, personal data protection, and digital literacy to prevent society from falling into excessive information consumption and digital fatigue.
ADPIKI Chairman Heri Budianto explained that the establishment of ADPIKI serves as a consolidative effort to strengthen the position of communication lecturers and researchers as a solid epistemic community capable of supporting the transformation of higher education, research, and national innovation.
“ADPIKI was established to build collective representation for communication lecturers and researchers, strengthen professional legitimacy, and integrate national research networks to improve the competitiveness of publications, innovation, and commercialization of communication science,” he said.
According to him, ADPIKI is expected to encourage innovative and collaborative teaching and research practices that remain relevant to the rapid development of digital technology and artificial intelligence. The association also aims to strengthen synergy among academics, government institutions, industries, and communication practitioners in addressing national challenges, including public literacy, digital democracy, information governance, and creative industry development.
“We want ADPIKI to become a platform that unites ideas, strengthens collaboration, and delivers meaningful contributions from communication science for society, the nation, and the international community,” Heri added.
The event also involved academics, professional communication organizations, and international partners, including representatives from University of British Columbia. In addition to the national symposium, the agenda included the official declaration of ADPIKI, the inauguration of its central board for the 2026–2031 term, and its first National Working Meeting aimed at strengthening the national network of communication lecturers and researchers across Indonesia. (*)
