Reviving the Student Press: ULM Promotes Critical, Independent, and Ethical Journalism
Banjarmasin – Lambung Mangkurat University (ULM) has once again demonstrated its commitment to supporting student capacity development. In collaboration with UII Yogyakarta and AJI Preparation Banjarmasin, ULM held the 2026 Banjarmasin-wide Student Press Strengthening event, held at the ULM Rectorate on Saturday (April 11, 2026).
Themed “Reviving the Critical Role of the Student Press in the Digital and AI Era,” the event was attended by representatives of student press organizations from various universities in Banjarmasin. The two-day event, April 11–12, 2026, served as a platform for consolidation, capacity building, and strengthening the role of the student press amidst the development of digital technology and artificial intelligence.
In his remarks, the Acting Head of the ULM Planning, Cooperation, and Public Relations Bureau, Muhammad Ilyas, S.T., M.T., emphasized that the student press has a strategic position in the information ecosystem on campus and in society.
“The student press plays a crucial role as a conduit of information, a social control tool, and a platform for developing students’ intellectual and creative potential. Through this activity, we hope to foster a student press that is critical, independent, and professional, and upholds ethics and the value of truth,” he said.
During the activity, participants received various materials, ranging from the history and values ​​of the student press, coverage planning, interview techniques, feature writing, audiovisual production, and the use of AI technology in journalism. In addition, there was a student press forum discussion session to strengthen networks and solidarity between institutions.
On the second day, participants were given the opportunity to produce journalistic work, which was then presented and evaluated together as a form of practical learning.
Meanwhile, presenting online, Prof. Dr. rer. soc. Masduki, S.Ag., M.Si., representing the Islamic University of Indonesia (UII) Yogyakarta, highlighted the challenges facing the press today.
“The Indonesian press faces strong pressure, both from government forces and the digital platform industry. This demands that the press, including the student press, maintain its independence and integrity,” he explained.
Meanwhile, Arpawi, Coordinator of the Banjarmasin AJI Preparatory Team, expressed his appreciation for the role of universities, including ULM, in creating space for the growth of student presses.
“Student presses are the gateway to the birth of quality journalism. A great campus is one that provides space for its students to grow through responsible criticism and creativity,” he said.
Through this activity, Lambung Mangkurat University emphasizes its role as an institution that focuses not only on academics but also encourages students to be active, critical, and adaptive in facing the dynamics of the digital world, while strengthening the position of the student press as a vital pillar of campus democracy.
