Enviro News Asia, Jakarta — The atmosphere at the Rectorate Building of UPN “Veteran” Jakarta on Wednesday afternoon, 26 November 2025, felt notably different. Its corridors were lined with photographs that spoke loudly: portraits of urban marginal lives, fragments of eroded environments, and expressions of human resilience in the face of time. All were presented in the Photography Exhibition of the Film, Television, and Media Studies Program (KFTVM), held over two days.
What made the event exceptional was the direct presence of UPNVJ Rector, Prof. Dr. Anter Venus, M.A., Comm., who greeted the students, observed each work closely, and presented awards to five young photographers whose works demonstrated the strongest artistic quality and social messages. “This is not just an exhibition,” Venus stated, “but a space for students to express what often goes unsaid, as well as a part of the national defense education we cultivate.”
The works on display were not merely studio assignments. Students dared to push boundaries—examining social inequality, highlighting environmental issues, and capturing humanitarian stories often overlooked by mainstream media.
Within these frames, KFTVM students showcased advanced visual capability: precise compositions, explorative lighting techniques, and narratives that emerged at first glance. Yet the most striking element was their social sensitivity—a value the university considers central to the character of national defense that defines UPNVJ.
The exhibition became a meeting ground for ideas across student generations. They exchanged visual approaches, debated artistic choices, and formed collaborations for future projects. Many visitors described this exhibition as the most vibrant creative space at the close of the academic year.
For KFTVM, such events serve as important milestones. They are not only showcases of photographic skill but also exercises in building creative networks and strengthening solidarity within the campus visual community. The more eyes that see their works, the greater the potential for external collaborations.
In his remarks, Prof. Anter Venus emphasized that visual art is not merely an academic ornament. “Photography is a language. It conveys critique, empathy, and advocacy. Students must recognize this,” he said.
According to him, the integration of art with the values of national defense is not an abstract concept. It becomes tangible when students photograph societal issues with empathy and moral responsibility. “UPNVJ students are expected not only to excel academically, but also to be sensitive, caring, and courageous in voicing their perspectives,” he added.
The exhibition concluded on 27 November 2025, but its visual resonance remained. The photographs, captured through the lenses of the younger generation, affirmed one thing: in their hands, the camera is not merely a technical tool—it is a medium for understanding society and contributing to shaping the future. (www.upnvj.ac.id)
