International Communication Association (ICA) in collaboration with the Faculty of Communication Sciences, Padjadjaran University, Organizes the 75th ICA Annual Conference 2025 Jakarta Bandung Hub “Disrupting and Consolidating Communication Research”
The International Communication Association (ICA) is a leading academic association in the field of communication that aims to advance the scientific study of communication through global collaboration and superior academic research. In 2025, ICA will hold its 75th annual conference with the global theme “Communication and Global Challenges” which will take place in a hybrid manner in Denver, United States. As part of this series of global events, the ICA Chapter Indonesia in collaboration with the Faculty of Communication Sciences, Padjadjaran University, Communication Studies Program, Atma Jaya Catholic University, University of North Sumatra, Sebelas Maret University, and Muhammadiyah University of Papua will hold the 75th ICA Annual Conference 2025 – Jakarta Bandung Hub with the theme “Disrupting and Consolidating Communication Research” on Monday, June 16, 2025 at 08.30-16.30 WIB at the Postgraduate Auditorium, Faculty of Communication Sciences, Padjadjaran University, Jatinangor.
Figure 1. 75th ICA Annual Conference 2025 – Jakarta Bandung Hub
With the central theme of “Disrupting and Consolidating Communication Research”, the conference aims to explore how rapid advances in digital technology and innovation are changing the paradigm of traditional communication research in Indonesia. The conference also highlights the impact of digital disruption on research topics, methodologies, and the communication industry, while emphasizing the growing trend of consolidation, where academic institutions, industry, and policymakers collaborate to pool efforts, share resources, and strengthen the relevance and impact of the communication field. As the largest and fastest growing digital economy in Southeast Asia, Indonesia is facing significant shifts triggered by digital disruption, affecting various sectors, including public communication. This transformation presents both challenges and opportunities for scholars, practitioners, and policymakers in the field of communication. The conference is expected to foster rich dialogue among academics, industry experts, and policymakers, and enhance participants’ understanding of the latest developments in communication studies, with a focus on their relevance and implications for Indonesia.
Figure 2. ICA Main Panel Session 1
ICA Main Panel Session 1 – Disrupting & Consolidating Communication Research in Indonesia
In the first session, the speakers discussed the challenges and opportunities of communication research in the digital era, with a focus on the integration of technologies such as big data and artificial intelligence (AI), as well as collaborative approaches in developing digital literacy in Indonesia. The first speaker, Dr. Novi Kurnia, M.Sc., M.A., presented a topic on collaborative research on digital literacy through a case study of Japelidi. She emphasized the urgency of digital literacy amidst the ever-changing communication landscape and highlighted how big data, AI, and other technologies bring significant challenges, ranging from the digital divide, cybersecurity, to the spread of misinformation and disinformation. The second speaker, Dr. Catur Suratnoaji, S.Sos., M.Sc., explained the impact of technological disruption on communication research methodology in Indonesia. He explained how the use of Big Data and AI technologies has revolutionized communication research methods. Dr. Catur also discussed the adaptations needed by researchers and institutions to utilize these innovations ethically and effectively.
This session was moderated by Dr. Trie Damayanti, M.Si and continued with an active discussion between the speakers and conference participants that raised various critical questions about ethics, methodological relevance, and implementation challenges in the field.
Figure 3. ICA Main Panel Session 2
ICA Main Panel Session 2 – Disrupting and Consolidating Communication Research in Indonesia
The second main panel session was moderated by Dandi Supriadi, M.A. (SUT)., Ph.D. This session focused on reflections on the development of communication research in Indonesia and the importance of building cross-cultural and global research collaborations. The first speaker, Prof. Dr. Eni Maryani, M.Sc., delivered an academic reflection on the journey of communication studies in Indonesia. She presented an in-depth analysis of the current state of communication research in Indonesia and stated the need to strengthen the mix methods approach in communication research in order to provide a comprehensive understanding. She also emphasized the importance of research on digital and media literacy. The next speaker, Prof. Dr. Alois Moosmüller, explained the importance of an intercultural perspective in communication research and how international collaboration can enrich communication practice and theory. He also explained that communication and culture are interrelated, where communication gives birth to culture and understanding which are prerequisites for building effective communication. Prof. Alois also explained the intercultural competency model for effective collaboration which includes five aspects, namely skills, awareness, attitude, knowledge, and desire outcome and discussed the future of global and intercultural research communication.
Figure 4. Poster Presentation
Poster Presentation
After two main panel sessions, the conference continued with a poster presentation session. A total of 40 posters that had been curated by the reviewer team were displayed by researchers. The topics raised covered various contemporary issues in communication studies, including digital transformation, political communication, health communication, new media, and the representation of vulnerable groups in the digital public space. Poster presenters were given special time to present their research results directly to the audience, creating an open and interactive discussion space. This conference is an important forum to strengthen academic networks and build cross-institutional collaboration. Through inclusive and reflective discussions, this conference is expected to provide real contributions to the development of communication studies in Indonesia, especially in responding to the challenges of the digital era and strengthening academic consolidation towards a more adaptive and relevant future. (TAH/RA)
