Source: Untar Public Relations – VC

Amid the rapid flow of information and the growing dominance of technologies that increasingly emulate human capabilities, preserving cultural values in communication has become more important than ever. Through the 2025 National Humanistic Communication Conference (KNKH), the Faculty of Communication Sciences (Fikom) of Untar provided a platform for dialogue that reaffirmed the role of humanism in the era of artificial intelligence.

Fikom Untar organized KNKH as the culminating event of Pekan Praktisi Fikom Untar and as a special part of the series of activities commemorating Untar’s 66th Anniversary. Carrying the theme “Communication and Culture in the Era of Artificial Intelligence: Identity, Creativity, and Sustainability,” the conference was inspired by the value of humanism, one of the core principles embodied in Fikom Untar’s HEPI philosophy—Humanism, Entrepreneurship, Professionalism, and Integrity.

Untar Rector, Prof. Dr. Amad Sudiro, S.H., M.H., M.Kn., M.M., officially opened the event and expressed his hopes for its impact.

“By raising the theme of communication and culture, we hope this conference will provide meaningful benefits for participants, particularly Fikom Untar students. We also hope that national conferences such as KNKH can serve as a model for every faculty at Untar,” he said.

Meanwhile, Chair of the KNKH Organizing Committee and Fikom Untar lecturer, Septia Winduwati, S.Sos., M.Si., reported that this year’s conference attracted more than 300 participants from 15 universities, including attendees from Austria and South Korea.

Septia Winduwati delivers the KNKH 2025 report before university leaders and conference participants. // Doc: Untar Public Relations – VC

In her remarks, Dean of Fikom Untar, Dr. Riris Loisa, M.Si., highlighted the relevance of the conference theme.

“The theme of this year’s KNKH emerged from realities we are all experiencing. The increasingly massive flow of information and popular culture presents unique challenges for humanity. Music, film, and digital content have become spaces for expression as well as mediums for social advocacy,” she explained.

KNKH 2025 was held in a hybrid format over two days, from 16–17 October 2025. The first day took place at the Auditorium of Campus I Untar and featured speakers from various industries, including:

• H. Giring Ganesha Djumaryo (Deputy Minister of Culture of the Republic of Indonesia)
• Siera Tamihardja (Film Producer)
• Gregorius Genep Sukendro (Lecturer at Fikom Untar)

During the discussion session, Siera Tamihardja shared her perspective on technological advancement and the role of human beings.

Siera Tamihardja shares insights on the film industry during her presentation session. // Doc: Untar Public Relations – VC

“It is important for us, as human beings, to remain open to technological developments while cultivating cultural understanding, empathy, and continuously striving to become more complete individuals,” she said.

Adding to this perspective, Genep Sukendro emphasized the importance of understanding values and purpose in creative work.

“The question of ‘why’ is crucial when we begin doing something. By understanding the reason behind our actions, we become more conscious and aware of what we are about to do,” he stated.

The second day continued with an onsite session at Fikom Untar classrooms, where seventh-semester students presented their scientific papers as part of their academic activities.

Fikom Untar student from the Class of 2023 performs a musical presentation during KNKH 2025. // Doc: Untar Public Relations – VC

KNKH served as a valuable opportunity for participants to gather, exchange ideas, and enrich their knowledge in a collaborative environment. The conference also demonstrated that the learning process remains at the heart of higher education in preparing graduates for society and the professional world. Initiatives such as Pekan Praktisi and the National Humanistic Communication Conference continue to serve as bridges connecting students, universities, and industry practitioners. (VC/YS)