Jakarta, October 14, 2026. The Faculty of Communication Sciences at Universitas Tarumanagara (Fikom Untar) held its Practitioner Week on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, at the Auditorium on the 3rd Floor of Untar’s Main Building, Campus 1. Under the theme “Communication Transformation in the Digital Era: Challenges and Opportunities for the Next Generation of Professionals,” the event featured three speakers from industry and academia who discussed the continued relevance of communication studies and the competencies needed by future professionals amid the rapid development of digital technology.
The three speakers were Esti Endah Pratiwi, Digital Strategist Manager at Victoria Care; Munadhil Abdul Mugsith, Ph.D., a Communication Studies lecturer and researcher at Indonesia’s National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN); and Calvin Dion, S.I.Kom., Event & Entertainment Partnership at Gajah Mada Entertainment. Drawing on their diverse backgrounds, the speakers shared insights into the evolving communication industry and the importance of adaptability in navigating change.
“Technology is a tool, strategy still comes first.” – Esti Endah Pratiwi
Esti Endah Pratiwi emphasized that the use of technology must be accompanied by effective communication strategies. According to her, technology, including artificial intelligence (AI), serves as a supporting tool, while the ability to understand audience needs and determine the right strategy remains essential.
Esti also highlighted the importance of understanding human behavior in building effective communication. Amid digital transformation, communities play a significant role in fostering a sense of belonging and encouraging individuals to contribute based on shared interests. Understanding audience characteristics and community dynamics is therefore essential for communication practitioners in developing relevant and meaningful strategies.
Through the academic and industry perspectives shared by the speakers, students were encouraged to recognize that communication studies remain relevant amid technological advancements. Digital progress does not eliminate the human role in communication; rather, it challenges professionals to continuously strengthen their critical and creative thinking skills to understand issues, process information, and develop communication approaches that respond to society’s needs.
Practitioner Week provided Fikom Untar students with an opportunity to broaden their understanding of communication practices in the professional world while exploring the connection between theories learned in the classroom and their application in industry. Through this event, students are expected to better prepare themselves for the evolving workplace by developing analytical skills, creativity, and a deeper understanding of technological developments and audience behavior.
Through Practitioner Week, Fikom Untar continues to encourage students to become adaptable professionals who can navigate change while upholding critical thinking, creativity, and an understanding of people as the core of communication. (KG)