The atmosphere at Meeting Room 1.03, Faculty of Social Science Education (FPIPS), Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia (UPI), grew warm on Thursday afternoon (30/1) as the Communication Studies Programme of FPIPS UPI welcomed a visit from Voice of America (VoA) Indonesia. The event was attended by Dr Ahmad Fahrul Muchtar Affandi, M.Si., Head of the Communication Studies Programme; Prof. Dr Mamat Ruhimat, M.Pd., Vice Dean for Academic Affairs FPIPS UPI; Prof. Dr Suhendra, M.Si., Head of UPI’s Public Relations Office; and Agus Sunarto, Director of VoA Indonesia’s Jakarta Office. Also present were faculty members and staff, marking this as a significant occasion.

“From our initial email correspondence with Ms Efika, we immediately discussed potential areas of collaboration. This is a special occasion, and we sincerely appreciate the enthusiasm from all parties in welcoming VoA’s visit,” stated Fahrul Muchtar.

Welcoming Remarks by Dr Ahmad Fahrul Muchtar Affandi, M.Si., Head of the Communication Studies Programme.

This visit served as an opportunity for mutual introduction between the Communication Studies Programme and VoA Indonesia, with the latter introducing a programme designed to bridge the gap between media and young people. Given the growing importance of media convergence, VoA Indonesia aims to introduce this concept through workshops and other events.

“We plan to hold public lectures for students and offer internship opportunities at VoA Jakarta,” explained Agus Sunarto.

Presentation on the Objectives and Goals of the Collaboration by Efika Rosemari (Community Manager of VoA Indonesia) and Agus Sunarto (Director of VoA Indonesia).

As discussions progressed, both parties focused on two possible areas of cooperation: short-term collaborations through regular events and long-term partnerships involving educational initiatives, such as internships. These collaborations are expected to benefit all stakeholders involved. Towards the end of the meeting, both sides explored the possibility of drafting a mutually beneficial cooperation agreement, signalling a promising next step in their discussions.

Handover of Souvenirs between Prof. Dr Cecep Darmawan, S.H., S.I.P., S.A.P., S.Pd., M.Si., M.H., CPM., Dean of FPIPS UPI, and Agus Sunarto, Director of VoA Indonesia Jakarta Office.

“Through this initiative, we hope to establish a strong partnership that will not only enhance the reputation of the Communication Studies Programme but also ensure that our graduates continue to be highly competent and well-equipped for industry demands,” concluded Fahrul Muchtar.

This promising initiative is set to open new doors for students, bridging academia with the dynamic world of media. (*end/mpw5*/dh/adp/rn/dcb)