From the Oldest Newspaper to Gen Z Platforms, UNU Yogyakarta Strengthens Media Collaboration to Disseminate Impactful Research

Yogyakarta – Universities and mass media are strategic partners in disseminating information that creates a meaningful impact on society. Higher education institutions rely on the media to amplify research findings and innovations that drive transformation, while media organizations look to universities as trusted sources of information through their experts, researchers, and scholarly works.

This partnership between academia and the media was the main focus of a media visit conducted by the leadership of Universitas Nahdlatul Ulama Yogyakarta (UNU Jogja) to several media organizations. The program took place on June 11–12, 2026, through both in-person visits to media offices in Yogyakarta and online meetings.

During the initiative, UNU Jogja leaders engaged with five media outlets, ranging from Indonesia’s oldest newspaper to media platforms largely managed by young people from Generation Z. The five organizations were Kedaulatan Rakyat, Tribun Jogja, Harian Jogja, Pandangan Jogja, and The Conversation Indonesia.

UNU Jogja Executive Director Suharti explained that the media visits were closely aligned with the university’s vision of becoming a leading institution that contributes to the welfare of the nation. The initiative also supports the new direction of Indonesia’s Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology through its “Impactful Higher Education, Science, and Technology” agenda.

“UNU Jogja wants research and academic activities not to remain merely on paper, but to generate real benefits by providing practical solutions for the wider community,” said Suharti, who led the delegation.

Director of Communications Intan Agisti added that UNU Jogja has consistently publicized its achievements through various channels, including its website, magazines, and social media platforms. Support from mass media, she noted, would further strengthen and expand the reach of these publications.

“With rigorous and impartial journalistic standards, mass media continue to be regarded as credible sources of information and important public references. Therefore, we are open to exploring various forms of collaboration with media organizations,” Intan said.

Other UNU Jogja leaders participating in the media visits included Director of Research and Publications Irwan Novianto, Director of Data and Information Center Septian Rico Hernawan, Industry Partnership Manager Tri Yuliyani, Director of Community Engagement and Social Laboratory (Labsos) Joko Susilo, and Labsos researcher Saeroni.

From the Oldest Newspaper to Youth-Oriented Media

The UNU Jogja delegation received warm and enthusiastic welcomes from the leadership teams of all media organizations visited. Various opportunities for collaboration were identified, discussed, and prepared for follow-up actions aimed at strengthening partnerships between UNU Jogja and the media.

During its visit to Kedaulatan Rakyat, a newspaper that has been published since September 27, 1945, the university delegation was welcomed by Yoeke Indra Agung Laksana, Director of Research, Development, Supervision, and Business of PT BP Kedaulatan Rakyat, along with other company executives.

“Kedaulatan Rakyat has always been open to collaborating with higher education institutions, including through our daily ‘Education’ section, which publishes research findings, faculty opinion pieces, and campus-related activities,” Yoeke explained.

At Tribun Jogja, UNU Jogja exchanged ideas on publication strategies and programs that could help introduce the university and its unique strengths to a broader audience.

“There may be a need for new ideas and breakthroughs that can introduce UNU Jogja’s distinctive characteristics more deeply and widely to the public, such as highlighting interesting research conducted by faculty members and students,” said Ibnu Taufik Juwariyanto, Editor-in-Chief of Tribun DIY–Central Java.

Meanwhile, Harian Jogja proposed closer collaboration by leveraging the strengths and networks of both UNU Jogja and media organizations. Such synergy, it was suggested, could enhance the impact of university programs.

“We can also involve various stakeholders connected to university programs, while UNU Jogja contributes insights based on the expertise of its academics,” said Anton Wahyu Prihartono, Chief Operating Officer of Harian Jogja.

Recognizing the importance of social media platforms, which are widely consumed by younger audiences, UNU Jogja also explored opportunities for collaboration with Pandangan Jogja, a media partner of Kumparan. Approximately 90 percent of its content is distributed through social media and managed primarily by Generation Z professionals.

“Although most of our content is published on social media, we still produce it according to journalistic principles by gathering and presenting facts accurately and engagingly,” said Eko Sugiarto Putro, CEO of Pandangan Jogja.

In addition to the in-person meetings, UNU Jogja also held an online discussion with The Conversation Indonesia (TCID). Dwita Nugrahanti, TCID's Stakeholder Engagement Officer, explained that the platform presents academic research in a style that is easily understood by the public and connects it to The Conversation's international media network.

“We also provide training in article writing, public speaking, and content creation, while encouraging academic communities to participate in discussions and recommend noteworthy Indonesian research to The Conversation’s global network,” Dwita said. [Arif]