Semarang – Communication Week (Pekom) is one of the competitions between Communication students throughout Indonesia which is held by the Communication Science Department of the Universitas Indonesia (UI). One of the agenda items is Media Matters which consists of competitions, seminars, workshops, and company visits. This year, Media Matters has the theme “Enlarging Perspective Towards Partial Information in the Uncertainty Era”. This event will be held from 12 February to 9 April 2021.

The announcement of the winners of the Media Matters competition was broadcast live on the YouTube channel of Pekom UI on April 9, 2021. The first winner was won by the Timang-Timang team from Universitas Diponegoro, namely Arlina Satiti Mugi Laras and Tjen, Maurilia Zerlina, two outstanding students from the Undip’s Communication Study Program, with a campaign program KaLiTuJu.

How did Timang-Timang Begin?

Interest in different fields is one of the reasons for the formation of this team. Laras herself has an interest in journalism, while Tjen is in strategic fields. These differences make them complement each other until Timang-Timang is created with its innovation, KaLiTuJu (Kaji View – Write Honestly).

“Because I saw the potential of Laras, yes. I think Laras is active in journalism while I am in the strategic field. So it fits and can complement each other. There is a knowledge of editing and data selection from Laras, while I focus more on strategy, innovation, and so on,” said Tjen.

Background of the Formation of Codes

Departing from the problem of a lot of misinformation and disinformation, KaLiTuJu is here as a digital literature campaign strategy to fight the spread of misinformation and disinformation. The presentation of information is carried out through audiovisual content to attract young people.

“Timang-timang team tries to present information through the KaLiTuJu account as an inclusive space with audiovisual content with fun word choices to make it close to young people. The results of the content determination were obtained from in-depth interviews with respondents aged 17-25 because they are of active social media age (seen from APJII),” explained Laras.

Besides, the hoax problem is also the background of their innovation. One of them is various hoax news about Covid-19, which is mostly spread via WhatsApp. Mainly from older people who find it more difficult to clarify the truth of the news. Meanwhile, when compared to parents, young people are not easily swallowed up by hoaxes. So that through KaLiTuJu they took the initiative to invite young people to take part in eradicating hoaxes.

“The role of youth is very important in eradicating this hoax. So, why don’t we use the role of this young man to eradicate hoaxes. If we see, they (youth) know that they are aware of hoaxes. However, to remind their parents or provide insight into hoaxes, it is still a little. So, starting from that problem, we make a campaign activity that is more targeted at young people,” explained Tjen.

Tips for winning competitions

As students who often won competitions, Tjen and Laras said that the important key in participating in competitions is according to their interests and fields they have mastered. Laras also added that we have to consider the partners who will be invited to compete.

“I always consider the matter of who will be invited. Is the division semisi or not and he is the person who can be exposed to pressure or not. You see, this could have the same impact on the projects being undertaken,” said Laras.

Tjen also said that courage is a trait that must be present when competing. The fear and shame of losing will only make us miss opportunities.

“As long as it’s something you want, you want to find the experience there, you feel you have an interest there, just go along with it. Why not? There are wins and losses in competitions. Don’t be afraid, don’t be proud, and don’t be embarrassed. Sometimes people have potential but are embarrassed when they lose. If there is a chance, take it. Because, indeed, the opportunity will not come twice,” concluded Tjen.

Writer : I Gusti Ayu Nyoman Septiari

Reporter : Amelia Nuraini Purnomo

Editor : Dian Rahma Fika Alnina