Central PWI And UPJ Collaboration, Building Life Laboratorys For Future Journalists

Chairman of the Central PWI, Hendry Ch Bangun, and Chancellor of UPJ, Yudi Samyudia. (Doc PWI)

JAKARTA The Central Indonesian Journalists Association (PWI) together with the Jaya Development University (UPJ) started a strategic step in establishing a life-run laboratory, which aims to strengthen one of the pillars of democracy in Indonesia.

This collaboration officially started with the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) by the General Chairperson of the Central PWI, Hendry Ch Bangun, and the Chancellor of UPJ, Yudi Samyudia, which took place at the UPJ Campus, Bintaro on Wednesday, August 28.

The Chancellor of UPJ, Yudi Samyudia, in his speech emphasized that this collaboration is a manifestation of the ideals of education which aims to prepare students to support the values carried out by the journalist profession.

"Today's collaboration is a common ground between the academic world and the world of diversity, which we call a living laboratory. Students must be equipped with the ability to face real-life challenges," said Yudi.

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According to Yudi, higher education institutions must be seen not only as educational institutions, but also as laboratories for life. Campuses become a forum for students to experiment, innovate, and develop their potential.

"This collaboration with the oldest and largest journalistship professional organization in Indonesia supports the world of education in preparing students to support the democratic values fought for by journalists," he added.

In line with Yudi, the General Chair of the Central PWI, Hendry Chairudin Bangun, welcomed this collaboration, emphasizing that the collaboration will connect the academic world with a practical world of citizenship.

"We agreed to call it a living laboratory, because students need to apply the theory they study, while professional organizations can share practical knowledge. This collaboration is mutually beneficial," said Hendry.

Hendry also emphasized the importance of input from the academic world for dynamic journalist professions. Without academic support, the journalist profession can become static and lag behind the development of society.

On that occasion, Hendry offered several programs that UPJ could immediately utilize, such as journalist professional certification which can be compared to the Certificate of Companion for Ijazah (SPI), journalistic schools, to journalistic safari programs and internships in various task forces that have been operating.

Hendry believes that the collaboration between Central PWI and UPJ has an important role in shaping the nation's future. Through this living laboratory, students as agents of change are given the opportunity to develop various fields of science, skills, and character.

The signing of the MoU ended with a joint photo session between representatives of the Central PWI, UPJ, and a number of UPJ students who were undergoing practical work at the Central PWI Anti-Hoax Task Force.