Surakarta (11/02/2025) - Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS) Surakarta, especially the Communication Science Study Program of the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences (FISIP), achieved an important achievement on Tuesday, February 11, 2025, with the inauguration of Prof. Dra. Prahastiwi Utari, M.Si., Ph.D., or better known as Prof. Tiwi, as the 9th Professor at FISIP UNS. This inauguration is not only a historic moment for Prof. Tiwi personally, but also for the Communication Studies Program of FISIP UNS, which further strengthens its position in the academic and research world of communication science in Indonesia. The inauguration ceremony took place at the GPH Haryo Mataram Auditorium, S.H. UNS, which was attended by the academic community, invited guests, and a number of officials from various higher education institutions.
Prof. Tiwi was appointed as Professor based on the Decree of the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Technology of the Republic of Indonesia Number 140055/M/07/2024. This decision confirmed her as one of the leading experts in the field of communication theory, as well as increasing the number of professors in the FISIP UNS Communication Science Study Program. With this inauguration, FISIP UNS further strengthens its commitment in producing quality academics who contribute to the development of science that is relevant to the times, especially in the world of communication which is increasingly influenced by digital technology.
In her inaugural speech entitled "Beyond Human Communication: Artificial Intelligence in the Perspective of Communication Theory", Prof. Tiwi revealed how artificial intelligence (AI) has brought major changes in the way we communicate, not only between individuals, but also with technology itself. "In this increasingly advanced digital era, we are not only dealing with human interaction between individuals, but we must also understand how technology such as AI plays a role in the communication process itself," said Prof. Tiwi.
The Communication Studies Program of FISIP UNS enthusiastically welcomes the inauguration of Prof. Tiwi as the 9th professor at FISIP UNS, which will further enrich and strengthen the field of communication theory in this faculty. Along with the rapid development of technology, communication science also needs to adapt by considering the role of AI in shaping the way we interact. Prof. Tiwi also emphasized the importance for communication academics to continue to develop communication theory in accordance with the challenges of the times, so that this science remains relevant in the face of digital development and advanced technology.
Furthermore, she highlighted the huge challenges faced by society in integrating AI technology with human communication. "Communication is not only about conveying messages, but also about building empathy, creating relationships, and understanding the social context in which the message is received," Prof. Tiwi added. This is both a challenge and an opportunity for the Communication Studies Program of FISIP UNS to continue to explore and develop communication theories that are able to answer the rapid development of digital technology.
With the inauguration of Prof. Tiwi as Professor, the Communication Science Study Program of FISIP UNS further strengthens its commitment to educate young people who are not only skilled in the technical aspects of communication, but also have a deep understanding of the social, political and communication dynamics in an increasingly complex digital world. Prof. Tiwi hopes to collaborate with various parties, both domestically and internationally, to develop research that can provide solutions to communication challenges faced by modern society.
He also invited researchers and academics in the Communication Studies Program FISIP UNS to continue to update their understanding of communication in the digital era, and to utilize artificial intelligence wisely without sacrificing human values in communication itself. "As communication scientists, we must be at the forefront to ensure that we understand and can direct this technological development in a positive direction for society," he said.
With Prof. Tiwi as a new professor in the field of communication theory, the Communication Studies Program of FISIP UNS further enriches its academic and research quality. The faculty is committed to producing applicable research, as well as creating communication solutions that are more effective and have a positive impact on social life. Prof. Tiwi's inauguration is an important symbol in FISIP UNS's efforts to continue to develop and adapt to the needs of the times, especially in the development of communication science in the digital era.