Vice Minister for Higher Education, Science, and Technology Stella Christie: Education as a Solution to Address Misinformation and Disinformation in the Digital Era

Jakarta, Indonesia – UNU Jogja participated as a Knowledge Partner in the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) Indonesia Conference on Friday, November 14, 2025, held at the Newport Rooms, The St. Regis Hotel, Kuningan, Jakarta. The event featured expert speakers from various fields in panel sessions discussing cross-sector business communication issues. The conference was attended by government officials, industry and communication practitioners, as well as representatives from higher education institutions.

In her opening remarks, IABC Indonesia President, Elvera N. Makki, stated that the IABC Indonesia Conference is an annual flagship event held since 2022, whose influence has reached the Asia-Pacific region and even the global stage. Each year, the conference theme is carefully selected to respond to emerging phenomena and current dynamics, serving as a reference for institutions as they navigate communication strategies for the year ahead.
“This year, the theme of the IABC Conference is Strategic Communications at the Heart of Trust, Humanity, and Digital Impact, which we hope will become a catalyst for business professionals, communication practitioners, and public relations experts to enhance communication impact for Indonesia’s progress. Together, we explore the human aspect of communication in the digital era—building trust, fostering empathy, and listening more actively,” she explained.

In his keynote speech, the Deputy Minister of Health of the Republic of Indonesia, Prof. Dante Sakarinto Harbuwono, emphasized that health communication is not merely the dissemination of information but also a driver of action and societal change.

“Business communicators must be able to transform statistical data into narratives that inspire public trust and empathy. No matter how advanced technology becomes, communication remains the bridge between data and real action, between information and trust. Misinterpreting information can hinder the decision-making process,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Deputy Minister for Higher Education, Science, and Technology of the Republic of Indonesia, Prof. Stella Christie, highlighted the growing threat of misinformation and disinformation on social media in the digital age.

“Today, AI accelerates the spread of information nearly threefold in just one year. Therefore, education is a non-negotiable long-term solution to ensure that information circulating, especially on social media, not only seeks attention but also upholds accuracy,” she explained.

UNU Jogja’s Vice-Rector for Partnership, Business, and Creative Funding, Ian Agisti Dewi Rani, stated that the IABC Conference aligns with the university’s goals in strengthening strategic collaboration and reputation, particularly in the development of business communication and strategic partnerships.

“UNU Jogja’s participation as a Knowledge Partner in the 2025 IABC Conference underscores the university’s role as a center for the development of scientific knowledge and strategic communication practices in Indonesia, particularly in bridging collaboration among academics, practitioners, and industries to build a more sustainable and impactful communication ecosystem. We greatly appreciate the IABC Indonesia Conference for providing a platform for business communication to collectively address the challenges of misinformation and disinformation in the digital era,” Ian Agisti said.

The International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) – Indonesia Chapter is a nonprofit association for communication practitioners and professionals, including Public Relations, Business Communicators, Corporate Social Responsibility/Sustainability, and Government Relations. IABC unites professional disciplines globally, sharing innovative best practices through experience, networking, and education. With more than 50 years of history, IABC is headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, USA. As the world’s largest community in public relations and communication, IABC’s membership spans over 40 countries with more than 5,000 members, including Indonesia. [Intan]